Largest ever Auckland Airport seizure of methamphetamine
A massive haul of methamphetamine worth $20 million has been intercepted at Auckland Airport.
Customs said it was the largest ever meth seizure at a New Zealand airport.
The drugs, weighing in at 20kg, were found in the luggage of two Czech Republic nationals who arrived on a flight from Bangkok on Thursday afternoon.
After questioning from Customs officers, the pair's luggage was searched and the drugs discovered in false bottoms of two suitcases.
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Both men were arrested and charged with importing a class A drug. They will appear in the Manukau District Court on Friday afternoon. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Customs Intelligence, investigations and enforcement group manager Jamie Bamford said the seizure had prevented an estimated $25m in social harm to communities.
"We have sophisticated capabilities that are proving to work and deliver successes such as these.
"This seizure is a fantastic example of Customs' intelligence-led approach to risk management at the border and excellent work by our frontline officers."
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