Canadian teenager jailed for importing P

A 19-year old Canadian woman has been jailed for nine years for importing almost $2 million worth of methamphetamine or ‘P’ labelled as “vitamins and supplements”.

Kionie Downing was sentenced in the Auckland District Court for importing and possessing methamphetamine, a Class A controlled drug.

She was arrested by Customs officers in August 2014 after they intercepted a package sent to her from Canada of four containers of supplements which had drugs hidden inside.

Customs officers at the International Mail Centre inspected the package, and testing showed a positive result for methamphetamine.

A warrant was executed at the Auckland hostel where Downing was staying. Officers also found digital scales, drug paraphernalia, and over $4,000 cash amongst her possessions. The cash has been seized and the drugs will be destroyed.

Customs Manager Investigations, Maurice O’Brien says Customs has systems and technology and in place to identify consignments containing these illicit substances.

“Four health supplement bottles of methamphetamine may not sound like much, but the street value and potential harm of these drugs is immense. Customs will do everything we can to sever the supply chain at the border and stop these harmful drugs from reaching our streets,” says Mr O’Brien.

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