Two New Zealanders have been intercepted at Auckland International Airport after Customs officers discovered clothing allegedly saturated with methamphetamine in their luggage.
New Zealand Customs said both travellers had arrived on flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and were carrying sealed bags containing clothing that either felt unusual or showed signs of powder residue.
Tests carried out by Customs subsequently returned positive results for methamphetamine.
Customs Acting Manager Airports Northern Simon Peterson said similarities between the two interceptions suggested they were linked to a coordinated drug-smuggling operation.
“Both travellers arrived off flights from Kuala Lumpur carrying clothing impregnated with methamphetamine, using a very similar concealment method, and attempting to bring drugs into New Zealand,” Peterson said.
He warned that organised criminal groups were exploiting people to bring illicit drugs across New Zealand’s border.
“Make no mistake, this is organised crime trying to exploit New Zealanders for their own gain,” he said.
“The people behind these operations are motivated solely by profit. They do not care about those they recruit, or the damage caused by drugs.”
Customs did not disclose in its social media statement the identities of the two travellers, when the interceptions occurred, the quantity or estimated value of methamphetamine involved, or whether charges had been laid.
The unusual concealment method involves impregnating fabric with methamphetamine rather than attempting to hide the drug in a more readily identifiable form.
Peterson urged people approached to act as couriers to consider the potentially serious consequences before becoming involved.
“We want people to think carefully before becoming involved. Acting as a drug courier can have life-changing consequences, and anyone caught attempting to import illicit drugs into New Zealand can expect to face serious penalties,” he said.
