A man has been jailed after attempting to smuggle nearly 4kgs of methamphetamine inside a stock pot through the border.
The 59-year-old was sentenced on Friday to seven years and eight months' imprisonment at the Manukau District Court.
The man had arrived at Auckland International Airport on a flight from China on September 27 last year when he was referred to Customs officers for further questioning, New Zealand Customs said.
A suitcase search revealed food, personal items and cooking utensils – including a stock pot that "seemed heavier than usual".
There had been no evidence of tampering with glue around the top.
"An X-ray of the pot showed inconsistencies, leading Customs officers to drill into the bottom where they uncovered a white crystal substance that tested positive for methamphetamine," Customs said.
The 3.58kgs of methamphetamine was worth approximately $1,074,000.
"Customs is continually evolving its tradecraft, data and technology to combat all forms of illicit drug smuggling. Full credit to our frontline officers for lifting the lid on this concealment," Chief Customs Officer Compliance and Enforcement Ben Wells said.
Anyone with suspicions about possible drug smuggling can contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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