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A Canadian woman has been caught allegedly trying to smuggle methamphetamine through the border by disguising it inside a wrapped Christmas gift in her carry-on luggage.
Customs arrested the 29-year-old at Auckland International Airport on Sunday.
“The woman arrived in Auckland on a flightfrom Vancouver in Canada ... and was questioned by customs officers on arrival,” a spokesman said.
“A baggage search found her with an estimated 10.2 kilograms of methamphetamine wrapped as a Christmas present.”
Meth concealed to look like a Christmas gift found in a passenger's carry-on luggage at Auckland International Airport. Photo / Customs
Customs found 10.2 kilograms of meth. Photo / Customs
The amount of meth would have been worth up to $3.8 million and could have caused about $10.7m worth of harm in the community, Customs said.
Customs alleged the smuggling attempt was the responsibility of a “transnational organised [crime] group”.
The woman caught has appeared in the Manukau District Court with charges of importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug. She was remanded in custody.
A Canadian woman has been remanded in custody after appearing in court over her alleged smuggling effort. Photo / Customs
Customs alleged the smuggling attempt was the responsibility of a 'transnational organised [crime] group'. Photo / Customs
Customs’ Auckland Airport manager Paul Williams said: “This is a classic attempt by transnational organised criminal groups at trying to exploit the busy travel season”.
“But a busy airport does not mean Customs is not focussed on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk. The airport teams are made up of vigilant officers who are intently focused on catching those trying to bring harm to New Zealand.
“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 said drugs being imported here from North America was an increasing risk and “we are prepared”.
“These criminal groups make the mistake of thinking Customs won’t chase smaller targets.
“We also have an excellent working relationship with our Canadian partners and collaborate with them closely to, in some cases, stop the drug couriers even before they board a flight here.”
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
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