A US woman has today appeared in court after allegedly attempting to smuggle an estimated 31kg of methamphetamine through the border over the weekend.
The 24-year-old arrived in Auckland on a flight from San Francisco on Saturday and following questioning, a Customs search located the methamphetamine in two suitcases.
“It was found in vacuum-sealed plastic packages inside wet towels and was packed amongst new clothing.”
The seized quantity equates to around 1.6 million individual doses and has a potential street value of up to $11 million.
Auckland Airport Customs manager Paul Williams said the quantity of methamphetamine seized is a “significant amount” for a passenger to attempt to bring into the country.
“This attempt to get a significant amount of methamphetamine into New Zealand is another classic example of how Customs’ strong international networks and our dedicated frontline teams work together to disrupt and intercept.
“New Zealand is being targeted by transnational syndicates, with multiple couriers having been intercepted in 2025 already. I am pleased that Customs has chalked up another win again to prevent more harm in our communities.”
The woman appeared in the Manukau District Court today charged with the importation and possession for supply of a Class A Controlled drug.
She is remanded in custody until her next court appearance in February.
