Three workers at Auckland International Airport have been arrested over the alleged importation of boxes containing around 58 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Customs identified suspicious activity within the airport and investigations established that three workers had moved a container off a flight from Malaysia on March 12.
Indicative testing of the item returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
The seized 58kg of methamphetamine equated to nearly 2.9 million doses with a potential value of up to $21.7 million.
Subsequently, the men were arrested and appeared in the Manukau District Court the same day.
They faced multiple charges related to importation of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for supply and were remanded in custody.
Customs said a search of five properties with the assistance of police today found further items of interest, including a quantity of cocaine.
Customs investigations manager Dominic Adams said the charges and subsequent searches should send a warning to those willing to abuse trust and access at the New Zealand border.
“Customs has zero-tolerance for anyone taking advantage of their privileged security access and we will not hesitate to prosecute those caught abusing it.
“We’re sending a clear message to transnational and serious organised crime groups that we are always on the lookout for signs of suspicious behaviour across the supply chain and have eyes on everyone trusted to work in secure areas.”
Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said police would take “any opportunity” to disrupt or prevent the harm caused in communities by illicit drugs.
“It is particularly pleasing to have this suspicious behaviour identified enabling the quick detection of the methamphetamine and the prompt arrest of the three people involved.”
