A 23-year-old Hong Kong national has been arrested after allegedly importing 20 kilograms of meth into the country, in spatulas.
At the end of July, customs officers intercepted an air cargo shipment from Hong Kong of 80 boxes of spatulas.
They found each of the 24-piece spatula sets held 150 grams of methamphetamine hidden under the box. The haul is valued at $20 million.
(Customs)
The man was arrested at a residential address on the North Shore last night. He arrived in New Zealand in May on a visitor's visa.
Customs Investigations Manager Maurice O'Brien says this is yet another significant seizure that involves an ever-changing method of concealment.
"Customs places a lot of emphasis on understanding the international supply chain and works closely with international enforcement partners around the world to not only cause disruption through individual seizures, but also dismantle the syndicates who are involved."
The man appeared in the Auckland District Court this morning and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Newshub.
