Two Auckland men sentenced after exploiting trusted access to smuggle drugs
12.00pm 23 January 2026
A recent Customs investigation demonstrates how collaboration with industry and international partners can dismantle serious threats in the supply chain.
The investigation began in April 2023, when Customs officers identified anomalies with imported consignments that appeared to have been tampered with.
Further inquiries revealed that two men, employed within the supply chain at FedEx in Auckland, were abusing their positions in a Customs Controlled Area. They accessed parcels containing methamphetamine and removed the drugs before the parcels were presented to Customs.
Customs investigators worked closely with senior FedEx management and executed search warrants at addresses linked to the men. Further analysis confirmed the scale of the offending and uncovered additional consignments intercepted in the United States containing methamphetamine.
Information sharing between New Zealand Customs, US Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was critical to the success of the operation. FedEx also worked closely with us throughout the investigation to safeguard the supply chain.
On 22 December 2025, the men were sentenced in the Manukau District Court. They plead guilty to the importation of methamphetamine, conspiracy to import approximately 40 kilograms of methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply.
The men received sentences of nine years and ten months, and eight years and three months’ imprisonment.
Customs Investigations Manager, Dominic Adams says this outcome demonstrates that people working in the supply chain who think they can abuse their positions to smuggle drugs will be detected and prosecuted.
“Stopping transnational, serious and organised crime requires strong partnerships, and these convictions highlight the critical role of international collaboration and strong industry partnerships in protecting New Zealand’s borders and communities.
“Our global network gives us the reach and intelligence to stop organised crime at every point in the supply chain. Those who think they can hide behind supply chain access should think again.”
Anyone with suspicions about possible smuggling should contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
