About 2kg of cocaine was found hidden within the lining of Benhur Martin's suitcase on 27 April, 2023. Photo: Supplied / NZ Customs
Two people have been sentenced to prison after separately being caught trying to smuggle a total of 5kg of cocaine through Auckland International Airport.
On Thursday, Brazilian national Benhur Martin, 23, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment at Manukau District Court for importation and possession of a Class A controlled drug for supply.
Customs officers arrested him after they found about 2kg of cocaine hidden within the lining of his suitcase on 27 April, 2023.
In another case, Brazilian national Mislene Dos Santos, 29, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for importation of a Class A controlled drug.
Customs officers arrested her after finding almost 3kg of cocaine hidden within the walls of her suitcase on 6 May, 2023.
The value of the drugs from both seizures is estimated to be up to $2.2 million.
Almost 3kg of cocaine was found hidden within the walls of Mislene Dos Santos' suitcase on 6 May, 2023. Photo: Supplied / NZ Customs
In a more recent case, Customs said they found a 44-year-old US national trying to smuggle in about 6.7kg of methamphetamine, worth up to $2.34m, which was disguised as three Christmas presents hidden in luggage.
Customs is warning other individuals who believe they can hide in the crowd amid the busy travel season.
"Anyone attempting to smuggle drugs should consider themselves warned that the festive season is not a time to think our border is any easier to get through," said Customs manager for Auckland Airport Paul Williams.
About 2kg of cocaine was found hidden within the lining of Benhur Martin's suitcase on 27 April, 2023. Photo: Supplied / NZ Customs
"Our frontline teams will continue to prevent transnational organised crime groups trying to exploit New Zealand for their financial gain," Williams said.
"While Customs aims to clear passengers as quickly and efficiently as possible during the busy season, we will not compromise our efforts to protect New Zealand - 100 percent of all passengers are screened through our various risk assessments and technology, and we work closely with our partners in New Zealand and internationally to identify smugglers."
Customs said it had arrested 11 people trying to smuggle Class A controlled drugs - either cocaine or methamphetamine - through Auckland International Airport this year.
The seizures added up to a total of 16.8 kilograms of cocaine and 53 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Almost 3kg of cocaine was found hidden within the walls of Mislene Dos Santos' suitcase on 6 May, 2023. Photo: Supplied / NZ Customs