Customs officers said they found just over 25.8 kg of methamphetamine in the suitcases of a man arriving at Auckland Airport on 28 October, 2023. Photo: Supplied/ Customs
A Canadian man has been caught with nearly 26kg of methamphetamine in the lining of his suitcases, as he arrived at Auckland Airport, the Customs Service says.
The 36-year-old arrived in Auckland on Saturday from Montreal, via Vancouver and then Sydney, and was questioned by Customs officers, before the drugs were discovered.
Customs Auckland Airport manager Paul Williams said he believed it was the largest amount of drugs ever discovered in an air passenger's luggage in New Zealand.
"This is a brazen smuggling attempt by a drug courier who appears to be working for an organised crime group," Williams said.
Customs officers questioned the man after he arrived at the airport, and then uncovered the drugs hidden in his luggage. Photo: Supplied/ Customs
"Our message to drug couriers and others who work for these gangs is simple - don't do it, it's not worth the risk. The criminals you work for don't care what happens to you or the consequences for your families when you are caught.
"Customs is pleased this seizure has stopped these drugs and cut off the profits criminal groups had aimed to make by exploiting our communities."
The drugs were found hidden in the lining of two suitcases. Photo: Supplied/ Customs
The Canadian man faces two charges of importing methamphetamine and a charge of possession of methamphetamine for supply.
"This amount of methamphetamine, which could have produced almost 1.3 million individual doses, would have been worth up to $9 million on New Zealand streets," Customs said in a statement.
"The seizure is estimated to have prevented up to $28.5m in social harm to communities."
The man was remanded in custody, and scheduled to reappear in court in February 2024.
Customs said information about smuggling could be reported to them on 0800 937 768, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.