An Auckland couple whose company imported thousands of illegal knives, bayonets and drug utensils has been sentenced on dozens of charges.
Ailong Weng and Yanzhen Wei used their company, Kai Yuan 365 Limited, to import and sell prohibited goods from China. To do this, they used a commercial importing business based in East Tamaki.
Between October 2022 and February 2025, the couple imported and sold "thousands" of different types of prohibited knives, bayonets, cannabis utensils, and methamphetamine utensils.
The goods arrived through multiple sea freight shipments. Customs seized "tens of thousands" of items over the course of the couple's offending.
The pair were arrested in June 2025 after authorities raided their home, business addresses, and a storage facility in Auckland.
During the raids, customs officers found "large quantities" of flick knives, throwing knives, butterfly knives, knuckle dusters, and military-styled airguns.
Examinations of electronic devices revealed further offending, and the two were arrested at their home.
Ailong Weng, 50, was convicted on five charges of importing prohibited goods; one charge of selling prohibited goods; and one charge of unlawful possession of restricted airguns. He was sentenced to eight months' home detention at the Auckland District Court yesterday.
His 49-year-old wife Yanzhen Wei was convicted on one charge of possessing prohibited goods, and she was ordered to pay a $1200 fine.
Their company was convicted of four charges of importing prohibited goods and one charge of selling prohibited goods, and was fined $45,000.
Acting Chief Customs Officer, fraud and prohibition, Kylie Campbell, said many people may not realise certain types of knives, knuckledusters, bayonets and airguns were prohibited or offensive weapons but "it was evident through this investigation that the couple knew they were breaking the law".
“Knife crime is a serious threat to public safety, and it is prohibited to import offensive weapons without police consent.
"Customs is pleased to have been able to contribute to the safety of our communities by preventing these weapons from reaching the streets."
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