A Canadian woman was caught attempting to smuggle over 22 pounds of methamphetamine disguised as Christmas gifts into New Zealand. The 29-year-old, who was flying from Vancouver to Auckland, was busted at the airport with what amounted to over $2 million worth of the illicit substance wrapped as if ready to be placed under a tree. “This is a classic attempt by transnational organized criminal groups at trying to exploit the busy travel season,” wrote the airport’s customs manager, Paul Williams, in a statement. “But a busy airport does not mean Customs is not focussed on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk.” On X, the country’s customs service wrote “Ho Ho NO” about the incident. The woman is in custody on charges of importing and possessing a Class A controlled substance, according to customs. “These criminal groups make the mistake of thinking Customs won’t chase smaller targets, but we know that drugs sent from North America are an increasing risk, and we are prepared,” Williams added.
Ho ho NO. A Canadian national is facing drug charges after Customs officers at Auckland Airport discovered approximately 10.2 kilograms of methamphetamine in her carry-on luggage, disguised as Christmas gifts.
