13 Nov 2023

Man charged after nearly 2kg methamphetamine seized at Auckland Airport

7:44 pm on 13 November 2023
Cardboard boxes in a traveller's luggage found to contain methamphetamine.

Cardboard boxes in a traveller's luggage found to contain methamphetamine. Photo: Supplied / NZ Customs Service

A 19-year-old Irish man has been charged after Customs seized nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport.

He appeared in the Manukau District Court on Monday after five cardboard boxes were found in a suitcase lining on Saturday.

"Customs officers noticed inconsistencies in one of the X-rayed packages, and further examination confirmed the white substance in the lining of the box was methamphetamine," Auckland Airport customs manager Paul Williams said in a statement.

The teenager was charged with importing and possessing a Class A-controlled drug for supply.

It was estimated the 1.9kg of meth was worth up to $669,000.

Two weeks ago, nearly 26kg of methamphetamine was seized at Auckland Airport.