Customs is warning international drug smugglers to not take the risk this festive season.
It comes as two Brazilians appeared in the Manukau District Court on Thursday for smuggling 5kg of cocaine, worth up to $2.2 million, through Auckland International Airport in separate cases earlier this year.
Benhur Martin, 23, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for smuggling about 2kg of cocaine in the lining of his suitcase.
He was arrested on April 27 and convicted for importation and possession of a Class A controlled drug for supply.
Mislene Dos Santos, 29, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment after officers found almost 3kg of cocaine also hidden in her suitcase.
She was arrested on May 6 and convicted for importation of a Class A controlled drug.
This year, Customs has arrested a total of 11 people attempting to smuggle either cocaine or methamphetamine through Auckland International Airport.
A total of 16.8kg of cocaine and 53kg of methamphetamine, worth up to $63.7 million, has been seized.
The most recent airport seizure involved a 44-year-old person from the US who smuggled 6.7kg of methamphetamine, worth up to $2.34 million, disguised as Christmas presents hidden in her luggage.
Auckland Airport Customs manager Paul Williams said the holiday season is the busiest time for drug smuggling, due to people thinking they can hide in the crowds.
"Anyone attempting to smuggle drugs should consider themselves warned that the festive season is not a time to think our border is any easier to get through," Williams warned.
"Our frontline teams will continue to prevent transnational organised crime groups trying to exploit New Zealand for their financial gain."
He reminded "100 percent of all passengers" will be screened through their various risk assessments and technology to identify smugglers.
"These transnational organised crime groups don't care about you or your families or the consequences you will bear on their behalf for smuggling so don't get involved," Williams said. "These cases demonstrate the consequences for smuggling and jail is no place to celebrate this season."
Anyone who suspects someone may be involved in drug smuggling is urged to call Customs on 0800 937 768 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
