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Crime and Justice

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Man busted trying to smuggle 2 kilos of meth in suitcase lining

June 10, 2022

Approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine. — Approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine. (Source: New Zealand Customs Service)

Customs have arrested a man trying to smuggle two kilograms of meth into the country, in the first drug seizure since the international border reopened to travellers.

In a statement on Friday, Customs Investigation Manager Cam Moore said the passenger flew into Auckland International Airport from the city of Santiago, Chile, and was caught after attempting to sneak the drug past security in the lining of his suitcase.

READ MORE: Gang-affiliated Australian deportees contributing to spike in illegal drug importations – Customs Minister

Moore says authorities believe the methamphetamine was originally sourced from Mexico.

Suitcase containing concealment of methamphetamine. — Suitcase containing concealment of methamphetamine. (Source: New Zealand Customs Service)

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The man has been charged with the Importation of a Class A drug and will appear in Manukau District Court.

In July last year, police and customs seized $28 million worth of drugs as part of Operation Skipjack.

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After arresting the man, police inventoried the car.

Police stop uncovers $5000, meth and a loaded shotgun

A breach-of-bail arrest in New Lynn lead to the discovery of the firearm, drugs and cash.

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Haitelenisia Kaumaevae was sentenced to 9 months in home detention with 6 months post detention conditions and reparation of $6500 at a weekly rate to be set by the Registrar.

Auckland woman sentenced over nearly $1.5m tax evasion

Inland Revenue said the case was a "wilful example" of repeated fraud, depriving the wider public of a substantial sum of money.

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The equivalent of 23 rugby fields of space was added to Auckland Airport's airfield.

Auckland Airport opens largest airfield expansion since its construction

Expansion adds aircraft parking and boosts cargo capacity as Auckland Airport prepares for future growth.

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Whangārei fire that broke out while five slept inside deemed suspicious

Whangārei fire that broke out while five slept inside deemed suspicious

Emergency services were called to Raumanga Valley Road in Raumanga at around 6.20am.

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The group has been responsible for causing damage to multiple fences and newly planted native trees.

Police seek dirtbikers accused of endangering public, scaring livestock

Porirua police are looking for the group of five who regularly ride dirt bikes from Waitangirua or Cannons Creek, across iwi land, into Belmont Park and then Belmont Farm.

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At the time passengers on one of the flights were told Oceania airspace was closed. Photo: FlightRadar24

Airways NZ says chief executive 'misspoke' about major outage

A glitch last month on services between New Zealand and Australia left five planes circling above Wellington and four others unable to take off.

10:38am

1:30

The equivalent of 23 rugby fields of space was added to Auckland Airport's airfield.

Auckland Airport opens largest airfield expansion since its construction

Expansion adds aircraft parking and boosts cargo capacity as Auckland Airport prepares for future growth.

11:13am

1:30

Whangārei fire that broke out while five slept inside deemed suspicious

Whangārei fire that broke out while five slept inside deemed suspicious

Emergency services were called to Raumanga Valley Road in Raumanga at around 6.20am.

11:02am

1:30

The group has been responsible for causing damage to multiple fences and newly planted native trees.

Police seek dirtbikers accused of endangering public, scaring livestock

Porirua police are looking for the group of five who regularly ride dirt bikes from Waitangirua or Cannons Creek, across iwi land, into Belmont Park and then Belmont Farm.

10:49am

1:30

At the time passengers on one of the flights were told Oceania airspace was closed. Photo: FlightRadar24

Airways NZ says chief executive 'misspoke' about major outage

A glitch last month on services between New Zealand and Australia left five planes circling above Wellington and four others unable to take off.

10:38am

1:30

After arresting the man, police inventoried the car.

Police stop uncovers $5000, meth and a loaded shotgun

A breach-of-bail arrest in New Lynn lead to the discovery of the firearm, drugs and cash.

1:47pm

Haitelenisia Kaumaevae was sentenced to 9 months in home detention with 6 months post detention conditions and reparation of $6500 at a weekly rate to be set by the Registrar.

Auckland woman sentenced over nearly $1.5m tax evasion

Inland Revenue said the case was a "wilful example" of repeated fraud, depriving the wider public of a substantial sum of money.

12:47pm

The equivalent of 23 rugby fields of space was added to Auckland Airport's airfield.

Auckland Airport opens largest airfield expansion since its construction

Expansion adds aircraft parking and boosts cargo capacity as Auckland Airport prepares for future growth.

11:13am

1:30

Whangārei fire that broke out while five slept inside deemed suspicious

Whangārei fire that broke out while five slept inside deemed suspicious

Emergency services were called to Raumanga Valley Road in Raumanga at around 6.20am.

11:02am

1:30

The group has been responsible for causing damage to multiple fences and newly planted native trees.

Police seek dirtbikers accused of endangering public, scaring livestock

Porirua police are looking for the group of five who regularly ride dirt bikes from Waitangirua or Cannons Creek, across iwi land, into Belmont Park and then Belmont Farm.

10:49am

1:30

At the time passengers on one of the flights were told Oceania airspace was closed. Photo: FlightRadar24

Airways NZ says chief executive 'misspoke' about major outage

A glitch last month on services between New Zealand and Australia left five planes circling above Wellington and four others unable to take off.

10:38am

1:30

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