A woman from British Columbia is in custody after New Zealand’s border agency discovered over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine disguised as Christmas presents upon her arrival from Vancouver.
According to a news release from the New Zealand Customs Service, the woman landed in Auckland on Sunday and was subsequently questioned by officers. A search of her luggage revealed 10.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, packaged in five parcels wrapped in red paper adorned with snowflakes.
Customs officials estimate the street value of the drugs to be up to NZ$3.8 million (approximately C$3.1 million). The woman has appeared in Manukau District Court, facing charges of importation and possession for supply of a “Class A” controlled drug.
The border agency described this incident as a “classic attempt” by organized transnational criminals to “exploit the busy travel season.”
