Auckland, NZ – In a significant pre-holiday blow to international drug trafficking, Customs officers at Auckland International Airport have intercepted five methamphetamine couriers in just over a week, seizing millions in illicit substances.
The crackdown began on November 2 with the seizure of nearly 30 kilograms of methamphetamine from three United States nationals. This week, the streak continued with two more high-volume interceptions.
On Monday, November 10, a 32-year-old US national was arrested after an inspection revealed his two suitcases contained 36 vacuum-sealed packages.
The haul, an estimated 19 kilograms of methamphetamine, has a potential street value of up to $5.7 million.
The previous day, officers uncovered a more clandestine smuggling attempt.
A 69-year-old French national, travelling from South Africa via Hong Kong, was found carrying a hollowed-out wooden box disguised as a book titled ‘Apologise, Forgive, Forget’.
The prop concealed just under two kilograms of methamphetamine, worth approximately $594,300.
Customs Auckland Airport Manager, Paul Williams, issued a stern warning to criminal networks.
“Criminal networks are actively targeting New Zealanders by pushing their products here for profits. They keep sending packages, and we keep seizing them. We have every intention of continuing to catch drug couriers heading into a busier summer season.”
The back-to-back seizures signal both a persistent threat from international drug syndicates and a heightened, successful enforcement effort at the border.
