New Zealand Customs officers made a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, intercepting 67.8kg of methamphetamine and 1.1kg of cocaine at Auckland International Airport in two separate operations on 29 May 2025.
The combined street value of the seized drugs is estimated at up to NZ$25.81 million, marking one of the most significant drug busts at the border this year.
In the first interception, customs officials discovered 50kg of methamphetamine hidden in unaccompanied baggage arriving on a flight from Malaysia.
Hours later, officers identified 17.8kg of methamphetamine and 1.1kg of cocaine concealed in the luggage of a 22-year-old male passenger arriving from New York. The suspect was immediately arrested and now faces serious drug importation charges.
Customs Acting Manager Donnelle Nicholson commended the officers involved, stating, “Both these seizures were the result of the excellent skills of our frontline officers who recognised tell-tale signs that prompted further investigations. Customs officers are relentless in their drive and commitment to protect our border and people from harm. They take a great deal of pride when they achieve successes like these overnight”
Nicholson emphasised that customs officers remain unwavering in protecting New Zealand’s borders from illegal substances.
The latest seizures add to an already impressive record for 2025, with customs officials stopping approximately half a tonne of illicit drugs from entering New Zealand through Auckland International Airport alone this year.
Authorities attribute this success to enhanced screening technologies, improved intelligence sharing, and the sharp observational skills of border protection staff.
New Zealand Customs encourages the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug smuggling through their 24-hour confidential hotline at 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The recent intercepts serve as a stern warning to criminal organisations attempting to traffic drugs through New Zealand’s borders.
As investigations continue, authorities have not ruled out further arrests concerning these cases.
The massive haul underscores the ongoing challenges faced by border security agencies in combating the international drug trade while demonstrating New Zealand’s strong stance against narcotics trafficking.
