A Canadian woman has been arrested at New Zealand’s Auckland Airport, carrying over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine. In an attempt to make the drugs go unnoticed, she tried to disguise them as Christmas presents.
The 29-year-old traveller made her way from Vancouver to Auckland on Sunday, 8 December, when she was stopped and questioned by customs police. Once her carry-on duffle bag was inspected, officials found 10.2 kilograms – worth about $2.2 million – of meth, carefully wrapped as Christmas presents in bright red paper with a snowflakes print.
“This is a classic attempt by transnational organised criminal groups at trying to exploit the busy travel season,” said Paul Williams, Auckland Airport’s customs manager. “But a busy airport does not mean customs is not focused on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk. These criminal groups make the mistake of thinking customs won’t chase smaller targets, but we know that drugs sent from North America are an increasing risk and we are prepared.”
Following the discovery, the woman appeared before the Manukau District Court and was charged with importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug. She was then remanded in custody.
“Customs takes a layered approach to protecting the border and every single passenger is risk assessed even before they arrive in New Zealand. Criminal syndicates will use whatever tactics necessary to smuggle drugs, including manipulating people to do their bidding,” Williams continued.
According to New Zealand Customs, drug smuggling between North America and New Zealand is on the rise. Last year, 713 kilograms of meth – worth around $150 million – were discovered in New Zealand’s largest-ever seizure of methamphetamine. The drugs were not hidden inside Christmas presents in this case, but in containers of maple syrup.
