New Zealand Customs has arrested two alleged drug couriers at Auckland Airport after separate interceptions this week.
Close to 63 kilograms of methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy) were seized on the same day, though Customs officers do not believe the incidents were related.
Officers first found 37.15kg of meth in the baggage of a 21-year-old woman.
This amount of meth would have been worth up to NZ$13 million on the street.
Later that day, they searched a 28-year-old man and located 25.71kg of MDMA.
This amount of MDMA would have been worth up to $7.7 million on New Zealand's streets.
Customs said the seizures have prevented around $41.5 million in social harm within New Zealand.
"These seizures are a huge success for both our frontline officers as well as intelligence and targeting experts who work behind the scenes to identify potential drug couriers before they get here," said Customs Auckland Airport manager Paul Williams.
"These are large amounts of drugs to intercept in single incidents," Williams added.
If convicted, the woman who allegedly imported the meth could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The man who allegedly imported the MDMA could face up to 14 years in prison.
Both defendants appeared in the Manukau District Court, charged with importation and possession for supply of controlled drugs, and have been remanded in custody until their next court appearances.
Customs asks anyone with suspicions about drug smuggling to call them confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
