A British man allegedly punched two Customs officers as he tried to flee an Auckland International Airport search area where staff had just uncovered an estimated 16.8kg of methamphetamine in his luggage.
The 24-year-old arrived on a flight from New York on Friday and was referred to Customs for a baggage check.
Officers found nine vacuum-sealed packages holding an estimated 16.8kg of the Class A drug, with a street value of about $5 million.
Customs said the seizure prevented an estimated $17.6 million in social and economic harm.
The man tried to leave the area before his bags were searched, according to Customs. When officers directed him to stay, he allegedly punched one of them while attempting to run. He allegedly struck a second officer while staff were restraining him.
Officers detained the man with help from police and Ministry for Primary Industries staff. Both injured officers were treated for minor injuries.
Customs assistant comptroller for air operations Craig Chitty said the incident was an example of the volatile situations frontline staff could face at the border.
"Customs officers are increasingly encountering people linked to transnational, serious and organised crim. While our officers are trained to de-escalate such situations, and receive officer safety tactics training, things can escalate quickly and without warning," he said.
Chitty said assaulting Customs officers was unacceptable.
"Our staff are carrying out an important public service, and everyone has the right to go home safely at the end of their shift."
He also thanked the agencies that helped restrain the man.
"Incidents like this demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships across border environments and our ability to work together when situations escalate unexpectedly," he said.
The man was due to appear in the Manukau District Court on September 22, charged with importing a Class A controlled drug and assaulting Customs officers acting in the execution of their duties.
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