Customs has arrested six more drug couriers and organisers linked to an organised crime syndicate that has allegedly recruited young New Zealanders to do its dirty work.
The individuals, aged between 22 and 25, have appeared in the Manukau District Court, charged with the importation of methamphetamine. Customs alleges they were collectively involved in smuggling an estimated 93 kilograms of methamphetamine inside suitcases, on return trips to Malaysia.
The arrests follow a series of Customs search warrants, with the assistance of Police, across multiple Auckland suburbs yesterday.
The latest arrests are part of a wider Customs investigation (Operation Trammel) that has so far resulted in 22 arrests and 31 search warrants since January.
Customs Investigations Manager, Dominic Adams says the recruitment of young drug couriers is an active and dangerous development, with transnational, serious and organised crime groups turning to social media platforms for exploitative purposes.
“Criminal groups are using social media to entice our young people into high-risk illegal activities, with the promise of overseas travel, cash and an Insta-worthy lifestyle.”
He says young New Zealanders and their families should be concerned and aware that drug syndicates are active on social networks, making offers that might sound hard to resist.
“But be warned about offers that are too good to be true – they come with strings attached and lifetime consequences,” says Mr Adams.
Everyone has a role to play in protecting New Zealand’s border and communities from illicit drugs. Suspicions about drug smuggling can be reported by calling 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) in confidence, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
