A woman travelling from Vancouver to New Zealand was arrested after a search of her carry-on duffel bag found methamphetamine wrapped as Christmas presents, according to authorities.
The woman arrived in Auckland on Sunday, Dec. 8, a statement from the New Zealand Customs Service says.
“A baggage search found her with an estimated 10.2 kilograms of methamphetamine wrapped as a Christmas present,” the agency says, adding that the drugs had a street value equivalent to $3.1 million Canadian dollars.
The woman has been charged with importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug and she remains in custody.
“This is a classic attempt by transnational organized criminal groups at trying to exploit the busy travel season. But a busy airport does not mean customs is not focused on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk,” Paul Williams, the customs manager of the Auckland …