WELLINGTON: Customs has seized $20 million of meth in the largest-ever haul of the drug at a New Zealand airport.
The 20kg of methamphetamine was found hidden in secret compartments in the bottom of two suitcases being brought into the country by two Czech nationals.
Customs said the pair arrived at Auckland Airport on a flight from Bangkok yesterday afternoon.
The Czech nationals were identified and questioned by Customs officers, and their luggage was searched. Officers found 10kg of meth hidden within concealment at the bottom of each of the two suitcases.
The alleged smugglers are in custody and will appear in the Manukau District Court this afternoon charged with importing a class A controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Customs official Jamie Bamford said criminal syndicates seeking to bring drugs into New Zealand would continue to be identified and prosecuted by Customs and partner agencies.
“We have sophisticated capabilities that are continuingly proving to work and deliver successes such as these. This seizure is a fantastic example of Customs’ intelligence-led approach to risk management at the border and excellent work by our frontline officers,” he said.
“Yesterday’s seizure has prevented a significant amount of social harm to our communities, which is estimated at almost $25 million.”
