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Customs officers at Wellington International Airport have seized an estimated 39kg of methamphetamine with a potential street value of up to $13 million.
Two women, aged 21 and 22, have been arrested and charged with importing a Class A controlled drug following the interception over King’s Birthday weekend.
Baggage search leads to discovery
The pair arrived in New Zealand on May 30, 2026 on a flight from Malaysia via Sydney and were referred for a baggage examination.
Customs officers found identical contents in each suitcase, including 18 foil packets of branded tea that had been vacuum-sealed and wrapped in towels.
Initial testing of the contents returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
The women appeared in the Wellington District Court on June 2.
Organised crime focus
Customs central and southern airports manager Brittany Small says the seizure highlights the efforts of organised criminal groups to use multiple entry points into New Zealand.
“This seizure and arrests indicate that transnational and serious organised criminal groups are targeting all points of entry into New Zealand.
“And it shows, yet again, young New Zealanders being lured and exploited into dangerous criminal activity with the promise of quick money and overseas trips – known tactics used by criminal groups to recruit suitcase couriers.”
Brittany says the risks involved can have life-changing consequences.
“This is not a shortcut to riches. This is a surefire way to change the trajectory of your life – risking your freedom, your future, and to end up spending your best years in jail.”
Frontline vigilance
Brittany says the interception demonstrates the effectiveness of Customs’ frontline operations and intelligence-led targeting.
“This interception highlights the vigilance and professionalism of frontline officers at Wellington Airport, which is seen across New Zealand’s regions, supported by behind-the-scenes risk profiling of all passengers nationwide before arrival.
“This seizure serves as a direct blow to organised crime groups seeking to profit at the expense of our communities.”
Customs estimates the methamphetamine seized has a potential retail value of up to $13 million.
