The first attempt relates to a 31-year-old man who arrived off a flight from Malaysia last week (26 August).  

After being referred to Customs for a baggage search, officers discovered two sealed bags full of clothing which felt different. A further five sealed bags of clothing were discovered in the man’s suitcase, which testing confirmed positive for methamphetamine. 

On 30 August, a second 31-year-old man arrived off a flight from Malaysia. He was referred to Customs for a baggage check where Customs officers located a sealed bag of clothing within in his backpack. 

The clothes were heavy, stiff, and covered in a white powder residue. A search of the man’s luggage uncovered a further four sealed bags of clothing. Testing confirmed the presence of methamphetamine.

The final weight of the methamphetamine from both intercepts is yet to be confirmed.

Customs Acting Manager Airports Northern, Simon Peterson, says these two interceptions point to the involvement of transnational criminal groups operating a coordinated smuggling operation.

“Both travellers arrived off flights from Kuala Lumpur carrying clothing impregnated with methamphetamine, using a very similar concealment method, and attempting to bring drugs into New Zealand. This combined seizure represents a significant disruption to the supply of drugs into our communities. 

“Customs is continuously adapting to emerging concealment methods. Our officers are trained to identify the indicators that something isn't right. In both cases, their experience, vigilance, and investigative skills were key to uncovering the drugs.

“Make no mistake, this is organised crime trying to exploit New Zealanders for their own gain. The people behind these operations are motivated solely by profit.  They do not care about those they recruit, or the damage caused by drugs.

"We want people to think carefully before becoming involved. Acting as a drug courier can have life-changing consequences, and anyone caught attempting to import illicit drugs into New Zealand can expect to face serious penalties."

Everyone has a role to play in protecting New Zealand’s border and communities from illicit drugs. Suspicions about drug smuggling can be reported by calling 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) in confidence, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.