Two former Auckland Airport baggage handlers have been jailed after authorities discovered an unclaimed backpack stuffed with kilos of methamphetamine.
The seizure of 4.6kg of methamphetamine from an unclaimed backpack at the airport in November 2022 has resulted in the sentences in the case. Customs found the drugs hidden in the backpack, which had arrived on a flight from Los Angeles.
The men, aged 24 and 20, were jointly convicted for attempting to possess methamphetamine for supply, according to Customs.
They were sentenced to three years and three months and two years and nine months in jail respectively in the Manukau District Court today.
Customs said both baggage handlers were noticed acting suspiciously around a collection of unclaimed luggage during the incident.
“Following an x-ray and search, 4.6kg of methamphetamine was found inside the backpack,” a spokesperson for the agency said.
“At the time, the seizure was estimated to have a street value of up to $874,000 and prevented up to $5.1 million in social harm and economic cost to New Zealand.”
In a media release, Customs investigations manager Dominic Adams said the case sent a “clear warning” about the risks people face at the border.
“Customs and our border and industry partners are always on the lookout for the signs of suspicious behaviour from travellers and those trusted to work in secure areas.
“We also receive useful information from the public who notice unusual and suspicious behaviour and report it to us. Everyone can help play a part to protect our communities from the devastating harm caused by methamphetamine,” he said.
