A Canadian woman who attempted to smuggle gift-wrapped methamphetamine through Auckland Airport has been sentenced to more than three years in prison.
The 30-year-old arrived at Auckland International Airport on a flight from Vancouver, Canada, on December 8.
She was arrested after Customs officers carrying out a baggage search identified the Class A drugs wrapped as Christmas gifts inside a duffel bag.
The total approximate weight was 9.9 kilograms, with a purity of 80%.
If sold in retail amounts, the drugs would be worth approximately NZ$2.9 million.
She appeared in the Manukau District Court today charged with importation of a Class A controlled drug, which carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The woman was sentenced to three years and two months in prison.
Chief Customs Officer for compliance and enforcement Ben Wells said intercepts such as these were the result of intelligence and close cooperation with international counterparts.
“We’ve worked closely with overseas border agencies to counter known threats and attempts by drug couriers to exploit airports and air routes, and prosecutions like this are testament to that teamwork.”
Anyone who has concerns about possible smuggling behaviour could contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
