Kiwi man arrested for $2 million meth in trolley bag

Joint effort by trans-Tasman authorities has resulted in the arrest of a 60-year-old man at Auckland International Airport on Sunday night, after 2kg of methamphetamine or ‘P’ with a street value of around NZ $2million was found in his luggage.

The Northland man was returning from a month-long trip to South Africa and, through intelligence-sharing with Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection and Australian Crime Commission, was intercepted by NZ Customs. An x-ray revealed the meth hidden in the lining of his trolley bag.

Customs Investigations Manager Maurice O’Brien says Customs works closely with local and international enforcement partners to share information that targets criminals trying to smuggle methamphetamine across borders through drug couriers.

“We have several mechanisms in place to identify high risk-passengers, and this case is another good example of our success in protecting each other’s borders and communities.”

Australian Crime Commission A/g State Manager Victoria, Jason Halls, said that serious and organised crime is global in nature and growing in sophistication.

“This seizure highlights the importance of a transnational approach when it comes to combating illicit drugs,” Mr Halls said.

The man appeared in the Manukau District Court yesterday afternoon for importing a class A controlled drug, and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

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