Canadian arrested at Auckland Airport after package containing $8m worth of drugs found

The drugs were found inside what was declared as an 'ornate foot stool'. Photo / NZ Customs

A 26-year-old Canadian man has been arrested at Auckland International Airport and charged in relation to the importation of $8 million worth of P.

The man, who had been living in Auckland, was stopped trying to leave the country today after Customs searched a package, declared as an ornate footstool, with 8kg of methamphetamine hidden inside.

The parcel was originally sent from the United States and weighed around 50kg.

Inside, officers at the Air Cargo Inspections Facility discovered what appeared to be a fibreglass and concrete block with a few decorative mirrors and beads attached to each surface.

The remains of the footstool. Photo / NZ Customs

When deconstructed, 18 plastic bags filled with a crystalline substance were found inside. Testing showed a positive indication for methamphetamine.

Manager Investigations Maurice O'Brien said the seizure and arrest showed Customs intelligence, response capability, and partnerships are working well.

"This is an excellent result for everyone involved which included Customs officers with support from the logistics industry and concerned members of the public.

"Collectively they have stopped a large quantity of meth from harming New Zealanders and identified a person allegedly responsible," O'Brien said.

The man has been charged with importing a class A drug and is yet to appear in court.