A person has been arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle packages of methamphetamine into New Zealand hidden in a Lego box and with an inflatable pool lounger.
On Sunday, a 24-year-old foreign national arrived at Auckland International Airport from Vancouver, Canada.
They were arrested after Customs officers discovered seven sealed packages of methamphetamine weighing 7.13kg that had been concealed with a Lego box and inflatable pool lounger.
Three days previously, a woman was sentenced for attempting to smuggle more than 1.7kg of methamphetamine and ketamine into the country hidden in food and drink packaging.
The 46-year-old had arrived from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on April 30. She was arrested after officers discovered 948g of methamphetamine concealed in granola bags and 803g of ketamine hidden in coffee sachets.
Airports Northern acting manager Simon Peterson said anyone contemplating drug smuggling should think twice.
“Drug couriers are exploited by transnational, serious and organised crime. By intercepting the illicit drugs and bringing offenders to justice, Customs helps to disrupt those criminal supply chains and prevent further harm to our communities,” he said.
Anyone with suspicions about possible smuggling has been urged to contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.