Customs investigation leads to sentencing of Auckland couple over thousands of illegal weapons

The couple were sentenced yesterday (Tuesday 5 May 2026) at the Auckland District Court.

• The 50-year-old man received eight months’ home detention and was convicted on five charges of importing prohibited goods, one charge of selling prohibited goods, and one charge for unlawful possession of restricted airguns;
• The 49-year-old woman was sentenced to pay a fine of NZ$1,200 and was convicted on one charge of possessing prohibited goods; and
• Their company received a NZ$45,000 fine and was convicted on four charges of importing prohibited goods, and one charge of selling prohibited goods.

Between October 2022 and February 2025, the married couple used their company, Kai Yuan 365 Limited, to import and sell prohibited goods sourced from China. This included thousands of knives, bayonets, cannabis utensils, and methamphetamine utensils. The quantities arrived through multiple commercial sea freight consignments, with tens of thousands of prohibited items seized between October 2022 to February 2025.

In June 2025, Customs investigators conducted search warrants at the couple's home and business addresses and a storage facility in Auckland. This located large quantities of flick knives, throwing knives, butterfly knives, knuckle dusters and military style airguns. Forensic examinations of electronic devices, invoices and online systems showed further evidence of offending. Customs investigators subsequently arrested the couple at their home address.

Acting Chief Customs Officer Fraud and Prohibition, Kylie Campbell, said Customs seized thousands of knives and drug utensils during this investigation, both at the border and during search warrants. 

“Many people may not realise that certain types of knives, knuckledusters, bayonets and airguns are classified as prohibited or offensive weapons, which makes them illegal to import into New Zealand. However, it was evident through this investigation that the couple knew they were breaking the law.

“Knife crime is a serious threat to public safety, and it is prohibited to import offensive weapons without Police consent. Customs is pleased to have been able to contribute to the safety of our communities by preventing these weapons from reaching the streets.

“We urge anyone who knows of or suspects someone who is smuggling prohibited weapons to contact Customs via Border Protect, our 24-hour confidential hotline. Everyone can help build a safer New Zealand.”

Visit www.customs.govt.nz/report or call Customs on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) confidentially, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Information about firearm and weapon imports is available on Customs’ website: Firearms and weapons.