The foreign national was sentenced in the Manukau District Court yesterday (30 September) to seven years and four months’ imprisonment after attempting to smuggle over 1.6 kilograms of cocaine through Auckland International Airport last year.
Arriving off a flight from Santiago, Chile on 20 July 2025, the woman was referred to Customs for a baggage search.
After an x-ray of both the woman’s suitcases, Customs Officers noted both suitcases were unusually heavy once all the contents were removed.
Officers conducted a physical examination into the interior lining and discovered a white powder which testing confirmed positive for cocaine.
Chief Customs Officer Compliance & Enforcement, Natalie Ross, says this sentence sends a clear message that attempts to smuggle illicit drugs into New Zealand carry serious consequences.
"Behind every cocaine shipment is a criminal network motivated by profit, not the wellbeing of New Zealanders. People who agree to act as couriers are helping organised crime groups and should expect to face significant consequences when caught.
"Customs officers work relentlessly to detect and intercept illicit drugs at the border, preventing them from reaching New Zealand streets and causing further harm."
Customs encourages anyone with information about smuggling or other border-related offending to call its confidential 24-hour hotline on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
