Officers at Auckland International Airport have foiled a 29-year-old Canadian woman’s attempt to smuggle methamphetamine into New Zealand, concealed as Christmas presents.
According to the New Zealand Customs Service, the drugs had an estimated street value of more than $2 million.
The woman was intercepted at Auckland International Airport on December 8 after arriving on a flight from Vancouver. Officers became suspicious during questioning and searched her carry-on duffle bag. Inside, they found almost 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, wrapped in festive snowflake-themed paper.
The Canadian national has since appeared in a district court, facing charges of importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug.
New Zealand Customs worked closely with Canadian authorities to further investigate the case.
Paul Williams, Auckland airport manager, described the bust as a “classic attempt by transnational organised criminal groups” to exploit the busy holiday travel season.
“But a busy airport does not mean Customs is not focused on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk,” Williams said in a statement. “The airport teams are made up of vigilant officers who are intently focused on catching those trying to bring harm to New Zealand,” he added.
“More collaborative work is being done with our Canadian partners to disrupt criminal gangs and the importation of drugs, including through the passenger stream,” Williams told Fox News Digital. “As this is part of an ongoing investigation, Customs would not release further information for operational reason,” he added.
