NZ Customs Release Issue 743

A 36-year-old overseas national was sentenced in the Manukau District Court to nine years and nine months' jail after Customs officers found nearly 26 kilograms of methamphetamine in his luggage last year.

The man was convicted for the importation of a Class A controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

A woman has been jailed for five years and five months after attempting to smuggle 4.3 kilograms of cocaine hidden in her suitcase lining and cosmetics. 

The 42-year-old was arrested at Auckland Airport in April last year after Customs officers stopped her for questioning and a baggage search.

Customs Manager Auckland Airport, Paul Williams, says this case is a great demonstration of vigilance at the border by our frontline officers. 

"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."

Brokers are encouraged to add documents to TSW in a timely manner for any entries that are held.

Please do not email Trade Assurance advising when documents have been uploaded to TSW.

Trade Assurance is aiming to reduce the time spent processing emails that could otherwise be used to continue improving entry processing times.

The NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) provides access to one of the world's biggest trading markets.

Hear from a panel of trade experts, including from Customs, about the ins and outs of the FTA, in a series of free-to-attend events around the country.