Woman arrested at airport, accused of trying to smuggle meth wrapped as Christmas gifts
A Canadian woman was arrested at the Auckland International Airport on Sunday for attempting to smuggle methamphetamine wrapped as Christmas presents in her carry-on bag, airport authorities say.
On Sunday, Dec. 8, a 29-year-old Canadian woman, who has not been publicly identified, was questioned by New Zealand Customs Service officers who found about 10.2 kilograms (22.4 pounds) of methamphetamine in her carry-on bag, a New Zealand Customs Service news release states. The drugs were wrapped as Christmas gifts. The woman had traveled to New Zealand from Vancouver, Canada.
The amount of drugs the woman had in her possession would have been worth up to NZ$3.8 million ($2.18 million USD) in street value and a potential social harm cost of about NZ$10.7 million ($6.15 million USD), according to the Customs Service news release.
"This is a classic attempt by transnational organized criminal groups at trying to exploit the busy travel season," Auckland International Airport Customs Manager Paul Williams said in the news release. "But a busy airport does not mean customs is not focused on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk."
Williams added that the Auckland International Airport has an "excellent" relationship with Canadian partners, working to stop drug couriers before they board a flight.
Woman detained over attempt to smuggle meth
The woman appeared in the Manukau District Court on charges of importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug, according to the Customs Service news release. As of Tuesday, she was remanded in custody.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at Paste BN. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.