First time visitor arrested for $2.3 million meth haul

A 44-year-old first time visitor to New Zealand will swap a hotel room for a jail cell after Customs officers found 2.3kg of methamphetamine hidden in a false bottom suitcase.

The foreign national, who has appeared in the Manukau District Court, arrived on a flight from Thailand on Saturday, and was arrested after x-rays led to the discovery of white crystalline substance.

Customs Investigations Manager Bruce Berry says the arrest is a testament to the work that is carried out by Customs that includes profiling using technology to identify high risk passengers.

“In this instance, the passenger was questioned during a routine baggage search where the Customs officer established enough from the interaction, to warrant further examination,

“Meth is the main choice for drug syndicates because New Zealand demands a high price, which makes us the desirable market for criminals. Methamphetamine causes serious social and economic issues and Customs is committed to preventing it and any other drugs from getting past our borders and onto our streets.”

The man is charged with importing and possession for supply of a class A drug, and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

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