A foreign national has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison after attempting to smuggle nearly 10kg of methamphetamine – worth $3 million – through Auckland Airport hidden inside neatly packed travel cubes.
The 27-year-old arrived at Auckland International Airport from Vancouver, Canada, on August 26, 2024.
Customs officers questioned and searched the man, which led to the discovery of seven black branded travel cubes concealing an estimated 9.898kg of methamphetamine, New Zealand Customs said today.
The passenger was subsequently arrested and charged with importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug and failure to provide a pin for his mobile phone.
He appeared in the Manukau District Court yesterday, where he was convicted of the importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug.
One charge of failing to provide a mobile pin was discharged.
The man was sentenced to six years and three months’ imprisonment.
“Identifying and intercepting individuals attempting to smuggle drugs into New Zealand is only the first part of the puzzle for us,” Customs Auckland Airport manager Paul Williams said.
“After that, there remains a significant amount of work and effort required by Customs officers to bring about a successful result in court. This result is testament to the dedication and perseverance of those officers.
Anyone with suspicions about possible drug smuggling can contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
