MEDIA RELEASE

15 February 2012

Customs arrests man for importing cocaine

A United States national was arrested at Auckland International Airport last week after liquid cocaine was found concealed in bottles inside his luggage.

Peter Rhee, 29, arrived into New Zealand on a flight from Los Angeles, United States.

Customs officers searched Mr Rhee’s luggage and found inconsistencies in two bottles of alcohol he had brought with him.

He was questioned by officers about his reason for coming to New Zealand, and could not provide a legitimate reason for his travel.

Testing of the substance in the bottles showed a positive match for cocaine. The cocaine was suspended in liquid.

Customs Manager Drug Investigations, Mark Day said this interception was another great example of Customs officers’ vigilance and effort to prevent illicit drugs making their way across our border and into our communities.

“Our officers are protecting New Zealand’s border 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their commitment shows that people who attempt to bring illicit drugs across our border are not beyond our detection”, said Mr Day.

The cocaine’s value was estimated to be between $800,000 and one million dollars.

“There has been an increasing prevalence of cocaine in illicit drug markets internationally and New Zealand is seen as part of that market. The methods of concealment are also the same ones that are being seen overseas.

“The high-level training our officers receive gives them the skills and knowledge to profile passengers that may pose a risk to our border”, said Mr Day.

Mr Rhee has been charged with importation of a Class A controlled drug, and has been remanded in custody. He will re-appear at the Manukau District Court on 28 February 2012.

The maximum jail term for importation and possession for supply of a Class A drug is life imprisonment.

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