Canadian Woman Arrested in New Zealand for Smuggling Meth Disguised as Christmas Gifts

Authorities discovered 10.2 kilograms of methamphetamine worth millions in the luggage of a Vancouver passenger at Auckland Airport.

New Zealand Customs officials arrested a Canadian woman at Auckland Airport on December 8 after finding 10.2 kilograms of methamphetamine in her luggage wrapped as Christmas presents.
The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of NZ$3.8 million and a potential social harm cost of NZ$10.7 million, according to authorities.
The woman, who arrived on a flight from Vancouver, has been charged with drug importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled substance.
Officials described the smuggling attempt as a tactic by transnational organized crime groups to exploit the busy holiday travel season.
This arrest follows other recent cases of Canadians allegedly smuggling methamphetamine into New Zealand and Australia, highlighting an increasing drug trafficking risk from North America.