A Fijian national with New Zealand permanent residency was arrested by Customs today and charged with multiple drug importation offences.

Jamie Bamford, Group Manager of Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement, says “Customs has been investigating the importation of multiple, connected packages containing drugs and destined for Auckland residential addresses.

“The arrested man had been identified by Customs as one of a number of suspects involved in importing these packages. He was searched at Auckland Airport in the early hours of 1 October 2018 following his arrival on an international flight.

“Customs had reasonable cause to believe the arrested man’s mobile phone contained evidence relating to his offending. As a result of a search of his mobile phone, Customs located evidence connecting him to the importation of:

· one package from Cambodia which contained 1.91 kilograms of methamphetamine;

· two packages from Brazil which contained a total of 768 grams of cocaine.

“Multiple packages containing drugs were intercepted in New Zealand and by overseas Customs agencies, and further charges are likely.

“Today’s arrest is evidence of Customs ongoing commitment to protecting New Zealand’s border and reducing the harm caused in our communities by illegal drugs.

“Due to the ongoing nature of this drug investigation and the fact that the arrested man is now before the Courts, Customs is not able to comment further on his arrest and the charges,” says Mr Bamford.

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