An Indonesian man has been denied entry to New Zealand after he attempted to smuggle five cartons of cigarettes through Wellington International Airport.
The 35-year-old man — who arrived off a flight from Jakarta via Sydney — was a frequent traveller to New Zealand, having been employed by and working on New Zealand-flagged fishing vessels.
Customs said the body-packing of the more than 1600 cigarettes was "an attempt to defraud Customs revenue".
The border agency posted a photo of the concealed cartons, highlighting the methods used in the failed smuggling attempt.
"Collaboration between border agencies saw a total of 1620 cigarettes seized with revenue of $2447.38," a spokesperson said.
The man's Work to Residence visa has been cancelled and he has been refused entry into New Zealand.
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