- A first time visitor to New Zealand has been found with 2.3 kilograms of meth
- The 44-year-old foreigner appeared in Manukau District Court on Saturday
- He was arrested after x-rays led to the discovery of white crystalline substance
A first time visitor to New Zealand will swap a hotel room for a jail cell after he was found with 2.3 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a false bottom suitcase.
The 44-year-old foreign national appeared in Manukau District Court after a flight from Thailand on Saturday.
He was arrested after x-rays led to the discovery of white crystalline substance worth about $2.3 million.
The first time visitor to New Zealand was found with 2.3 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a false bottom suitcase (pictured)
Customs Investigations Manager Bruce Berry says the arrest is a credit to the work of customs officers who are trained to profile high risk passengers.
‘In this instance, the passenger was questioned during a routine baggage search where the Customs officer established enough from the interaction, to warrant further examination,
‘Meth is the main choice for drug syndicates because New Zealand demands a high price, which makes us the desirable market for criminals.
‘Methamphetamine causes serious social and economic issues and Customs is committed to preventing it and any other drugs from getting past our borders and onto our streets.’
The man is charged with importing and possession for supply of a class A drug, and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
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