Entrepreneur arrested at Auckland International Airport, 1kg of meth found in carry-on luggage

The man was detained at Auckland International Airport on Saturday after arriving on a Malaysia Airways flight from Kuala Lumpur. Photo / Alex Burton

An entrepreneur has been arrested at Auckland International Airport, after 1kg of meth was allegedly found in his carry-on luggage.

The man was detained on Saturday after arriving on a Malaysia Airways flight from Kuala Lumpur.

Charging documents released by Customs say the 57-year-old is accused of importing just over 1kg of the class A drug methamphetamine into New Zealand.

The drugs were allegedly found inside his carry-on luggage.

The man, who is listed as having no fixed abode, is due to appear in Manukau District Court today. He could face life in prison if convicted.

It is the third alleged drug smuggling incident detected at Auckland International Airport in the last a week.

A life coach was arrested on July 23 after arriving from Denpasar, Bali.

Customs allege methamphetamine was inside these tea packets. Photo / Supplied

The 36-year-old is accused of smuggling an estimated 20kg of methamphetamine into the country, allegedly hidden in vacuum-sealed bags of green tea.

Customs confirmed the man was a foreign national.

The passenger was identified for a baggage search during processing.

“An examination of tea packets inside the bag revealed a white crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.

The alleged methamphetamine found in the life coach's luggage. Photo / Supplied

“This intercept has prevented up to NZ$21 million in social harm and cost to New Zealand. If sold in retail amounts, this amount of methamphetamine would be worth around NZ$6m.”

An Auckland Airport spokeswoman said it fully supported the work of police and Customs in detecting and preventing international drug trafficking.

“The recent cases highlight the dedication and vigilance of police and Customs NZ in disrupting harmful drug trafficking at the New Zealand end of the global drug supply chain.

“Auckland Airport works hand in hand with police, border agencies and airline partners to strengthen security measures that help to protect New Zealand communities.”

Just days earlier on July 20, a real estate broker was arrested at Auckland Airport and charged with importing 4kg of cocaine.

Customs said the 25-year-old woman arrived on a flight from Santiago, Chile, and was referred for a baggage search during processing.

Customs said the cocaine found on Sunday was concealed in two suitcases, including this one. Photo / Supplied

She had allegedly tried to conceal cocaine in two suitcases.

“After a detailed examination of the suitcases, officers found the drugs concealed inside the panelling.”

Customs said the cocaine’s street value was about $1.5m.

Lane Nichols is Auckland desk editor for the New Zealand Herald with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.

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