A man is facing charges after allegedly attempting to smuggle 3.5kg of methamphetamine inside a cooking pot in his suitcase.
The 59-year-old man arrived at Auckland Airport on a flight from China on September 27, where Customs officers questioned the man and conducted a baggage search.
An x-ray revealed inconsistencies around the lining of a cooking pot that was in his suitcase.
Customs officers drilled into the bottom of the pot, uncovering a white crystal substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
Auckland Airport Customs manager Paul Williams said the officers “demonstrated outstanding attention to detail in identifying this concealment”.
“What appeared to be an ordinary cooking pot was, in fact, a vessel for significant harm. We urge passengers to exercise caution and never carry items on behalf of others unless they are certain of the contents.”
Anyone with suspicions about possible smuggling was urged to contact Customs confidentially on 0800 937 768 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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