A 29-year-old Canadian national was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle 10.2kg of methamphetamine into New Zealand.
The illegal substance was wrapped in red, festive-themed paper and disguised as Christmas gifts inside the woman’s carry-on duffle bag, New Zealand Customs Services alleged in a press release.
“Ho ho NO,” the service wrote on social media about the alleged bust.
The woman reportedly arrived at Auckland International Airport from Vancouver last week. Nonstop flights between the cities take around 14 hours.
Paul Williams, the airport’s customs manager, described it as “a classic attempt by transnational organised criminal groups” of trying “to exploit the busy travel season.” “But a busy airport does not mean Customs is not focussed on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk,” Williams added.
The woman’s identity has not been released. She was charged with importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug.
On Monday, meanwhile, New Zealand Customs Service said it had seized 28.5kg of the same drug at the same airport “in two abandoned duffle bags near the baggage carousels.”
The meth “had been wrapped in four layers of black film, clear plastic wrapping, tea bag branded packaging, and clear plastic wrapping,” per a statement. “Investigations are ongoing, so we are not ruling out any arrests.”
Last year, authorities in Canada, Australia and New Zealand busted a drug syndicate that tried to smuggle tons of meth under the cover of maple syrup and canola oil shipments.
The use of meth and cocaine has recently “skyrocketed” in New Zealand, the New Zealand Herald newspaper reported last week.
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