A 19-year-old Canadian man has appeared in the Manukau District Court after Customs officers discovered more than 15 kilograms of methamphetamine in his luggage at Auckland International Airport on Sunday.
The man, who arrived on a flight from Vancouver, was identified as a high-risk passenger during routine pre-arrival screening, prompting frontline officers to question him and refer his baggage for further inspection.
A search of his suitcase uncovered around 15 vacuum-sealed packages hidden among his clothing, with testing confirming the crystal-like substance as methamphetamine.
Customs estimates the drugs carry a potential retail value of approximately $4.55 million. The man has been charged with importing a Class A controlled drug.
Acting Customs Manager at Auckland Airport, Ben Wells, said the seizure highlights the effectiveness of Customs’ layered security approach, which combines intelligence, data-driven targeting and advanced technology to detect smuggling attempts. He noted that with summer travel volumes increasing, each interception strengthens their ability to identify and stop drug couriers.
Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug smuggling, either confidentially via Customs’ hotline 0800 WE PROTECT or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
0800 WE WILL FIT YOU UP