Passenger’s foiled attempt to smuggle methamphetamine in tea packets results in 7.5 years in prison
04.00pm 15 May 2026
A passenger who attempted to smuggle 20 kilograms of methamphetamine through Auckland International Airport was this week sentenced to seven-and-a-half years’ imprisonment.
The 36-year-old foreign national arrived in New Zealand on a flight from Bali, Indonesia, last July, and was identified for a baggage search during Customs processing.
Officers found no personal effects in his suitcase, which was instead full of vacuum-sealed green tea packets. On examination, these packets were found to contain a white crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
Appearing before the Manukau District Court, the man pleaded guilty to the charge of importing a class A controlled drug.
Customs’ Auckland Airport Manager, Paul Williams, says this man’s first-time visit to New Zealand has resulted in an extended stay in a New Zealand prison, far from home.
“That’s the reality people face when having anything to do with illicit drugs, or doing the footwork for organised criminal groups.”
Mr Williams credits the airport intercept to well-informed data, intelligence, and the tradecraft of Customs’ frontline officers.
“Our officers have the dual role of facilitating legitimate travel while prioritising the protection of New Zealanders at all times,” he says.
“We are always alert for attempts to exploit the air border, and it’s great to see our risk-assessment measures working exactly as they should.”
