An estimated 67.8kg of methamphetamine and 1.1kg of cocaine were seized at two separate interceptions at Auckland Airport overnight.
The combined street value is estimated to be $25.81 million.
In the first case, Customs deemed two duffel bags off a flight from Malaysia suspicious and, upon further inspection, discovered they contained 50kg of meth.
In the second case, 17.8kg of meth and 1.1kg of cocaine were found in a passenger’s duffel bag coming from a flight from New York.
A 22-year-old man faces charges of importing Class A controlled drugs in relation to the second case.
Customs’ acting manager at Auckland Airport, Donnelle Nicholson, said that both seizures were due to the “excellent skills” of the frontline officers who recognise signs that prompt further investigation.
“Already this year, Customs has stopped around half a tonne of illicit drugs from entering New Zealand through Auckland International Airport. This volume is both significant and concerning.
“Customs officers are relentless in their drive and commitment to protect our border and people from harm. They take a great deal of pride when they achieve successes like these overnight.”
