A New Zealand man has been charged after Customs officers uncovered 19.7 kg of methamphetamine disguised as green tea concealed within his luggage.
The 20-year-old was arrested at Auckland International Airport on Tuesday.
An x-ray of his suitcase allegedly revealed the presence of a 'crystal-like substance' scattered throughout. After examining the contents, officers located 18 packages disguised as green tea, which testing confirmed to be methamphetamine.
The man arrived at Auckland International Airport off a flight from Singapore where he was referred to Customs for a bag search. He had previously travelled from New Zealand to the Philippines on June 1.
Customs Auckland Airport Manager Paul Williams said the recruitment of people to courier drugs across our border at the promise of fast money is a dangerous tactic used by criminal groups, with consequences extending far beyond the individual.
“It is not worth the lifelong consequences on yourself or the impact it will have on your family. You will be caught.”
"Every interception like this represents significant community harm prevented, in this case over NZD$20.5 million. But behind every arrest is a family dealing with the fallout, which can be difficult to undo," he said.
The man was due to appear in the Manukau District Court yesterday charged with importation of a class A controlled drug.
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