Customs seized around 39 kilograms of methamphetamine, worth up to NZ$13 million in retail value, at Wellington International Airport over the long weekend, with two alleged drug couriers appearing in court on Tuesday in relation to the illicit drugs haul.
On Saturday 30 May, two New Zealand women, aged 21 and 22, were referred for a baggage search after arriving in New Zealand on a flight from Malaysia, via Sydney.
An examination of their suitcases found identical contents in each – 18 foil packets of branded tea, individually vacuum-sealed and wrapped in towels. Initial testing of the contents returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
The pair were arrested and appeared in the Wellington District Court on Tuesday, charged with the importation of a Class A controlled drug.
Customs’ Central and Southern Airports Manager, Brittany Small, says the seizure and arrests indicate that transnational and serious organised criminal groups are targeting all points of entry into New Zealand.
“And it shows, yet again, young New Zealanders being lured and exploited into dangerous criminal activity with the promise of quick money and overseas trips – known tactics used by criminal groups to recruit suitcase couriers.
“This is not a shortcut to riches. This is a surefire way to change the trajectory of your life – risking your freedom, your future, and to end up spending your best years in jail.”
She adds that this interception highlights the vigilance and professionalism of frontline officers at Wellington Airport, which is seen across New Zealand’s regions, supported by behind-the-scenes risk profiling of all passengers nationwide before arrival.
“This seizure serves as a direct blow to organised crime groups seeking to profit at the expense of our communities.”
