Customs arrests two passengers with 36 kilograms of methamphetamine at Auckland International Airport

A 25-year-old Australian national and 23-year-old New Zealander were charged with the importation of a class A controlled drug and were scheduled to appear in the Manukau District Court today.

The defendants travelled together on a flight from Singapore and were referred for a baggage search during processing. 

On examination, it was found that both passengers’ suitcases contained identical contents of vacuum-sealed bags, wrapped in towels.

Each bag was found to contain approximately 18 vacuum-sealed packets of the class A controlled drug methamphetamine, concealed within green tea packaging. The approximate total weight of methamphetamine per suitcase was 18 kilograms, with a combined total of approximately 36 kilograms between both.

Chief Customs Officer Compliance/Enforcement, Ben Wells, says this is another case of young people being lured into a very dangerous criminal world with the promise of fast money.

“Make no mistake - it is not worth the risk. Bringing illegal drugs into the country only lines the pockets of transnational, serious organised crime syndicates, while those doing the footwork carry the very heavy weight of the crime. 

“This intercept is another example of the careful attention our targetters and officers at the airport pay to travellers, which has now prevented over NZ$37 million of social harm reaching our communities." 

The National Drug Intelligence Bureau estimates that 36 kilograms of methamphetamine is equivalent to an estimated 1,800,000 doses. If sold in retail amounts, this amount of methamphetamine crystal would be worth approximately NZ$10.8 million.

Anyone with information about suspicious activity can contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.