A woman has been jailed for more than five years after trying to smuggle 4.3 kilograms of cocaine into Auckland.
Delphine Ganon, 42, appeared in the Manukau District Court on Thursday and was convicted for importing and possessing the Class A controlled drug.
Ganon arrived at Auckland International Airport on April 25 last year and was stopped for questioning by a Customs officer.
Her two suitcases were examined, revealing white powder in the lining of one suitcase that tested positive for cocaine. Contents of five cosmetics bottles also tested positive for liquified cocaine.
The 4.3kg of cocaine would have produced about 43,300 common doses, with an estimated total street value of up to NZ$1.94 million. Customs said the seizure is estimated to have prevented up to $1.29 million of social harm and cost to New Zealand.
It was a great demonstration of vigilance at the border by New Zealand's frontline officers, Customs Auckland Airport manager Paul Williams said.
"Customs remains ever-alert in our daily fight to stop the flow of illegal drugs from entering New Zealand.
"Our officers are well-equipped to identify and stop people who think they can bring illegal substances into our communities."
Customs said if people know or suspect someone may be involved in illegal smuggling, they should call 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) - a 24-hour confidential hotline - or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
