Observant officers in a New Zealand airport unwrapped $2 million worth of methamphetamine wrapped as Christmas presents that a Canadian woman attempted to conceal.
The woman, 29, arrived at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand on a flight from Vancouver on December 8 carrying the illicit drugs in her carry-on bag, according to a release from the New Zealand Customs Service.
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Upon landing, officers questioned the woman and searched her carry-on duffle bag, where they discovered more than 22 pounds of methamphetamine concealed beneath brightly wrapped snowflake wrapping paper.
A Canadian woman was arrested and is facing drug importation and possession charges after she allegedly attempted to smuggle pounds of methamphetamine wrapped as Christmas presents in her carry-on bag. (New Zealand Customs Service)
Officials say the Canadian national’s bag contained the equivalent of more than $2 million U.S. dollars worth of the illicit drug.
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The woman, 29, arrived at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand on a flight from Vancouver on December 8. (New Zealand Customs Service)
Auckland Airport Manager Paul Williams called the incident a « classic attempt by transnational organized criminal groups » at exploiting the busy travel season.
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« But a busy airport does not mean Customs is not focused on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk, » Williams said in a statement. « The airport teams are made up of vigilant officers who are intently focused on catching those trying to bring harm to New Zealand. »
Officials say the bag contained the equivalent of more than $2 million U.S. dollars worth of the drug. (New Zealand Customs Service)
The woman has since appeared in district court on charges of importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug, officers noted.
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« More collaborative work is being done with our Canadian partners to disrupt criminal gangs and the importation of drugs, including through the passenger stream, » Williams told Fox News Digital in an email. « As this is part of an ongoing investigation, Customs would not release further information for operational reasons. »
Authorities said the woman has been taken into custody.
