Illegal knives and drug paraphernalia were from an East Tamaki-based business in a large-scale operation. Photo / NZ Customs
Illegal knives and drug paraphernalia were from an East Tamaki-based business in a large-scale operation. Photo / NZ Customs
An Auckland couple have faced court after tens of thousands of illegal weapons, including knives, bayonets and guns, were smuggled into the country.
Search warrants at an Auckland couple’s home, business and storage facility uncovered a large number of flick knives, throwing knives, butterfly knives, knuckle dusters, military-style airguns andcannabis and methamphetamine utensils.
A bunch of prohibited flick knives seized during a large-scale operation. Photo / NZ Customs
The prohibited items were seized as part of a large-scale operation into an East Tamaki commercial importing business owned by a married Auckland man and woman.
The goods were sourced from China and sold through the guise of the pair’s company, Kai Yuan 365 Ltd, between October 2022 and February 2025.
The couple were arrested in June last year and sentenced at the Auckland District Court yesterday.
A 50-year-old man was convicted on six charges of importing and selling prohibited goods, as well as one charge for unlawful possession of restricted airguns. He has been ordered to serve eight months home detention.
A 49-year-old woman was convicted on one charge of possessing prohibited goods and was fined $1200.
Their company was handed a $45,000 fine and was convicted on four charges of importing and one charge of selling, prohibited goods.
An illegal air rifle was uncovered during a search of the Aucklanders' property. Photo / NZ Customs
Customs acting chief officer fraud and prohibition Kylie Campbell said they take knife crime seriously.
“Knife crime is a serious threat to public safety, and it is prohibited to import offensive weapons without police consent. Customs is pleased to have been able to contribute to the safety of our communities by preventing these weapons from reaching the streets.
“Many people may not realise that certain types of knives, knuckle dusters, bayonets and airguns are classified as prohibited or offensive weapons, which makes them illegal to import into New Zealand.
“However, it was evident through this investigation that the couple knew they were breaking the law.”
Anyone who knows or suspects someone of smuggling illegal weapons has been urged to contact Customs via Border Protect 24hr confidential hotline on 0800 937 768.
During the operation, police located 17 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, more than $30,000 in cash, approximately 4kg of cannabis, and 15g of methamphetamine.
