A 29-year-old Canadian woman was apprehended at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand after attempting to smuggle over 22 pounds of methamphetamine, disguised as Christmas presents, in her carry-on luggage. The woman arrived on a flight from Vancouver on December 8th. Customs officials discovered the drugs, worth an estimated $2 million USD, hidden beneath festive wrapping paper during a search of her bag.
This incident, according to Auckland Airport Manager Paul Williams, represents a typical tactic employed by international criminal organizations to exploit the increased travel volume during the holiday season. However, Williams emphasized that the heightened activity doesn't diminish Customs' focus on identifying and intercepting individuals posing a drug risk. He praised the vigilance of airport officers dedicated to protecting New Zealand from such threats.
The woman has appeared in court facing charges of drug importation and possession with intent to supply a Class A controlled substance. Authorities are collaborating with Canadian counterparts to disrupt criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, including attempts to smuggle illicit substances through passenger channels. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are being withheld for operational reasons.
