A Canadian woman was arrested at Auckland Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 10.2 kilograms (22 pounds) of methamphetamine, valued at over $2 million. The drugs had been disguised as Christmas presents. They were discovered in her carry-on luggage upon her arrival in New Zealand.
New Zealand Customs said, “10.2 kilograms (22 pounds) of methamphetamine worth up to $2.2 million was discovered in the woman’s carry-on luggage when she arrived at Auckland Airport on a flight from Vancouver on Sunday.”
Paul Williams, Auckland Airport’s customs manager, stated, “This is a classic attempt by transnational organized criminal groups at trying to exploit the busy travel season.”
Williams added, “But a busy airport does not mean Customs is not focused on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk.”
Williams said, “These criminal groups make the mistake of thinking Customs won’t chase smaller targets, but we know that drugs sent from North America are an increasing risk and we are prepared.”
New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster noted that organized crime creates significant harm in communities worldwide.
Coster said, “The international drug trade and organized crime groups are creating havoc and harm in communities around the globe, and our best opportunity to disrupt, intercept, and keep our communities safe, is to work collaboratively with other agencies, and other nations.”
Canadian officials are facing backlash for government-sanctioned harm reduction programs, including legal injection sites aimed at reducing overdose deaths. The British Columbia government recently reversed a pilot project to decriminalize small amounts of illicit drugs, while police are prosecuting activists who sought to provide safe drug access.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized the safe consumption sites, labeling them “drug dens” and advocating for their closure, particularly near schools and playgrounds. Critics argued that increasing public drug use and overdose deaths have exposed the failure of current progressive measures.
Since 2016, over 44,000 Canadians have died from opioid overdoses, with fentanyl being a significant contributor. Advocates for harm reduction assert that these programs, including supervised consumption sites and needle exchanges, help lower health risks, even if they do not eliminate drug use.
