‘Drugs sent from North America are an increasing risk’

THE New Zealand Customs Service said on Tuesday that it had arrested a 29-year-old Canadian passenger with gift-wrapped methamphetamine inside her carry-on duffle bag at Auckland International Airport.

The woman arrived in Auckland on a flight from Vancouver in Canada on Sunday, December 8 and was questioned by Customs officers on arrival. A baggage search found her with an estimated 10.2 kilograms of methamphetamine wrapped as a Christmas present.

This amount of the drug would have been worth up to NZ$3.8million in street value and a potential social harm cost of approximately NZ$10.7 million, the Customs Service said.

“This is a classic attempt by transnational organised criminal groups at trying to exploit the busy travel season. But a busy airport does not mean Customs is not focussed on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk. The airport teams are made up of vigilant officers who are intently focussed on catching those trying to bring harm to New Zealand,” says Customs Manager of Auckland Airport, Paul Williams.

“Customs takes a layered approach to protecting the border and every single passenger is risk assessed even before they arrive in New Zealand. Criminal syndicates will use whatever tactics necessary to smuggle drugs, including manipulating people to do their bidding.

“These criminal groups make the mistake of thinking Customs won’t chase smaller targets, but we know that drugs sent from North America are an increasing risk and we are prepared. We also have an excellent working relationship with our Canadian partners and collaborate with them closely to, in some cases, stop the drug couriers even before they board a flight here.”

The arrested woman has appeared in the Manukau District Court on charges of importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug. She has been remanded in custody.