A Canadian woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle more than 10kg of meth into New Zealand wrapped as Christmas presents.
New Zealand Customs joked saying “Ho Ho No” after finding 10.2kg of meth worth up to £1.72 million in a woman’s carry-on luggage.
She was detained upon arriving at Auckland Airport on a flight from Vancouver, Canada, on Sunday.
“A drug courier trying to smuggle methamphetamine through Auckland Airport wrapped as Christmas presents has just made Santa’s naughty list,” NZ customs said on Facebook.
The woman, whose name and age were not revealed, was charged with importation and possession to supply a class-A controlled drug.
“This is a classic attempt by transnational organised criminal groups at trying to exploit the busy travel season,” Auckland Airport’s customs manager, Paul Williams, said.
“But a busy airport does not mean Customs is not focused on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk.”
NZ Customs shared images of the “Christmas presents” wrapped in vibrant red paper featuring snowflakes and stored inside a red duffel bag, that the woman allegedly brought onto her flight.
Williams added: “These criminal groups make the mistake of thinking Customs won’t chase smaller targets, but we know that drugs sent from North America are an increasing risk and we are prepared.”
Last year, a homeless charity in New Zealand unknowingly distributed sweets filled with a potentially “lethal” dose of meth in its food parcels.
The sweets were donated by a member of the public and distributed in hampers to about 400 people by charity staff members.
What is meth?
Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that impacts the central nervous system.
It appears as a white, odourless, bitter-tasting powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.
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