Customs have seized more than 36 kilograms of methamphetamine found in unaccompanied bags at Auckland International Airport yesterday.
The two bags arrived on March 5 on a flight from Los Angeles and were referred to Customs for inspection.
A search of both bags identified several plastic-wrapped, vacuum-sealed parcels which tested positive for methamphetamine.
It is estimated the amount of methamphetamine would have had a street value of up to $13.5 million and caused around $37.9 million in potential harm and cost to New Zealand.
Customs Auckland Airport manager Paul Williams said it was an example of collaboration by agencies and stakeholders to combat the smuggling of illicit drugs.
“Criminals are trying to get drugs through our airport in increasingly large volumes, but our intelligence and partnership networks are alert to their tactics.
“Customs will continue to work across the industry to secure the supply chain, and our team will act swiftly to identify and stop risks as part of our focus of protecting the border.”
