United States woman in court over alleged 31kg meth smuggling attempt at Auckland International Airport

A 24-year-old United States national has appeared in court after she was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle an estimated 31kg of methamphetamine in suitcases at Auckland International Airport.

The woman arrived in Auckland on a flight from San Francisco on Saturday and following questioning, a Customs search located an estimated 31kg of meth in two checked-in suitcases.

The Class A drug was found in vacuum-sealed plastic packages inside wet towels and was packed among new clothing.

The Class A drug was found in vacuum-sealed plastic packages inside wet towels and was packed among new clothing. Photo / New Zealand Customs

The seized meth equates to close to 1.6 million individual doses, with a potential street value of up to $11 million. It is estimated the seizure has prevented up to $33m in social harm and cost to New Zealand.

The 24-year-old appeared in the Manukau District Court today, charged with the importation and possession for supply of a Class A Controlled drug. She was remanded in custody until her next court appearance in February.

Customs’ Auckland International Airport manager Paul Williams said the quantity of meth seized is a significant amount for a passenger to attempt to bring into the country.

“This attempt to get a significant amount of methamphetamine into New Zealand is another classic example of how Customs’ strong international networks and our dedicated frontline teams work together to disrupt and intercept,” Williams said.

The 24-year-old appeared in the Manukau District Court today and was remanded in custody until her next court appearance in February. Photo / New Zealand Customs

“New Zealand is being targeted by transnational syndicates, with multiple couriers having been intercepted in 2025 already. I am pleased that Customs has chalked up another win again to prevent more harm in our communities.”

It comes after more than $10m worth of meth was seized in the first two days of 2025 after three people allegedly tried smuggling it through the border.

In one incident, meth had been soaked into clothing to conceal it. Customs said two separate attempts at smuggling turned up about 27 kilograms of meth in luggage at Auckland International Airport.

Anyone with information or suspicions about possible drug smuggling can contact Customs confidentially on 0800 937 768 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.