Found by Customs: $10.7 million worth of meth found in abandoned bags at Auckland Airport
- Customs seized 28.5kg of methamphetamine in abandoned bags at Auckland International Airport.
- The drugs had a street value of $10.7 million and could cause $29.9 million in social harm.
- Investigations are ongoing, with Customs vigilant against organised crime tactics during the busy travel season.
Customs has seized an estimated 28.5kg of methamphetamine in abandoned duffle bags at Auckland International Airport.
Customs say this would have had a street value of $10.7 million and caused up to $29.9m of social harm to New Zealanders.
Officers were conducting routine checks in the arrivals area when they noticed two bags that appeared to be abandoned.
X-rays showed some inconsistencies, and a positive indication by a drug detector dog led to the discovery.
On examination, Customs officers found 14 methamphetamine packages that had been wrapped in four layers of black film, clear plastic wrapping, tea bag branded packaging and clear plastic wrapping.
Customs manager Auckland Airport, Paul Williams, credited the seizure to the vigilance of frontline Customs officers.
“This seizure has stopped a significant quantity of harmful drugs from getting into our communities, and will no doubt leave the criminals involved out of pocket for the Christmas season,” he said.
Williams said investigations are ongoing, so they’re not ruling out any arrests.
“Customs is accustomed to the tactics organised crime syndicates used during the busy travel season,” he said.
“Whether it’s exploiting people to act as drug couriers or sending drugs within unaccompanied luggage to be picked up later by criminal accomplices, our officers are always on high alert.”
He said Customs officers are also deployed specifically to look out for suspicious behaviour or baggage.
“Everyone can help play a role in protecting New Zealand’s border and communities from illicit drugs by keeping an eye out for suspicious activity.”
Katie Oliver is a Christchurch-based multimedia Journalist and breaking news reporter.