Customs arrests man for smuggling 62 kilograms of methamphetamine

A 31-year-old man has appeared in the Auckland District Court this morning, charged with importing a Class A drug after Customs carried out a search warrant in Auckland on Thursday night (23 June 2022).

Following a Customs investigation, the defendant was linked to six separate air freight consignments of methamphetamine intercepted at the border between January and May 2022.

The methamphetamine was concealed in four welding machines, each containing approximately 12 kilograms of the drug, ink cartridges containing approximately eight kilograms of the drug, and an air cooler that hid approximately six kilograms of methamphetamine.

It is believed that all six consignments were destined for the same individual in New Zealand.

Cam Moore, Customs Manager Investigations, says this arrest is a result of effective targeting and detection at the border, backed up with first class intelligence.

“Customs is working across all points of entry in Aotearoa to ensure drug smugglers are prevented from getting their drugs into market. These seizures could have caused enormous harm, damaging lives and funding further crimes. We won’t let the drug smugglers exploit New Zealand for their own gains.”

The 62 kilograms total methamphetamine seized is valued at approximately $9.3 million.

The defendant had an arrest warrant against him for breaching bail conditions and failing to appear in court on prior drugs charges.

He is scheduled to re-appear in Court for sentencing on 7 October 2022. Customs won’t be making any further statement in relation to this case while it is before the Courts.

If you have suspicions about someone involved in illegal smuggling, call 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Note

The National Drug Intelligence Bureau Drug Price Index dated August 2021 indicates the value per kilogram of methamphetamine as $150,000 NZD. This makes the value of the 62.08 kilograms of methamphetamine worth approximately $9,312,500 NZD.

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