Customs has arrested three Auckland International Airport workers after they were caught smuggling approximately 58 kilograms of methamphetamine off an international flight from Malaysia.
The three men were arrested on 12 March after Customs, working closely with industry partners, identified suspicious activity within the airport precinct. Investigators confirmed the workers had moved a container carrying the methamphetamine off the flight.
The men appeared in the Manukau District Court the same day and face multiple charges, including importing methamphetamine and possession for supply. They were remanded in custody.
The seized methamphetamine has an estimated street value of up to $21.7 million, equivalent to around 2.9 million individual doses. Authorities say the bust has prevented up to $61 million in social harm and costs to New Zealand.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Customs—supported by police—searched five Auckland properties earlier today, where they discovered several items of interest, including a quantity of cocaine.
Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams said the case sends a clear message to anyone considering abusing their access at the border.
Photo: Customs
“Customs has zero tolerance for anyone taking advantage of their privileged security access, and we will not hesitate to prosecute those caught abusing it,” Adams said.
“We’re sending a clear message to transnational and serious organised crime groups that we are always on the lookout for suspicious behaviour across the supply chain. We have eyes on everyone trusted to work in secure areas.
“These arrests highlight the ongoing great work of our frontline Customs officers at the border, in addition to our efforts building trusted networks with industry partners to protect the integrity of our supply chain,” he said.
Detective Inspector Tom Gollan from the National Organised Crime Group said police will always act to disrupt and prevent the harm caused by illicit drugs.
“It is particularly pleasing to have this suspicious behaviour identified, enabling the quick detection of the methamphetamine and the prompt arrest of the three people involved,” Gollan said.
“Again, it highlights the importance of the collaborative approach by Customs, Police, and the Airport to detect and stamp out insider threats.”
Customs is urging anyone who suspects possible drug smuggling to contact them confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
