A 43-year-old Masterton man has been arrested after multiple mailed packages containing methamphetamine were intercepted by Customs.
In July, officers stopped 10 separate packages containing an estimated 10kg of methamphetamine, concealed in items including a painting and roller-skate knee pads.
The haul carried a street value of around $3 million. Follow-up inquiries linked the consignments to an individual.
Yesterday, officers carried out two searches, arresting a man and seizing $7000 in cash, 100 grams of methamphetamine, drug utensils and 12 established cannabis plants.
He is due to appear in the Masterton District Court today on a charge of importing a Class A controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Police said further charges were likely.
Customs chief officer for regional investigations Rachael Manning said the case highlighted the growing trend of “high-frequency, low-volume” drug smuggling, with organised crime groups exploiting the boom in online shopping and freight.
“There’s a high volume of legitimate parcels crossing our borders daily, but our frontline officers remain vigilant,” she said.
“Criminals use all sorts of methods, and we place equal emphasis on every package- big or small. While we continue to intercept large-scale attempts, we also actively target smaller consignments sent through international mail and air freight.”
She said strengthened regional intelligence and collaboration with police was helping track down offenders.
