A 24-year-old United States national has been remanded in custody after Customs officers allegedly discovered an estimated 31 kilograms of methamphetamine in her luggage at Auckland International Airport last weekend.

She appeared in the Manukau District Court yesterday, facing charges of importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug, and is scheduled to reappear in February.

According to Customs, the woman arrived on a flight from San Francisco on 18 January 2025.

During questioning, a search revealed the methamphetamine in vacuum-sealed plastic packages inside wet towels, concealed among new clothing in two suitcases.

Officials estimate the drugs have a potential street value of up to NZD$11 million and could amount to around 1.6 million individual doses.

They believe this seizure may have prevented up to NZD$33 million in social harm and cost to New Zealand.

Customs Manager Auckland Airport, Paul Williams, describes the discovery as “a significant amount for a passenger to attempt to bring into the country.” He says,

“This attempt to get a significant amount of methamphetamine into New Zealand is another classic example of how Customs’ strong international networks and our dedicated frontline teams work together to disrupt and intercept.”

“New Zealand is being targeted by transnational syndicates, with multiple couriers having been intercepted in 2025 already.

I am pleased that Customs has chalked up another win again to prevent more harm in our communities,” adds Paul.

Anyone with information or suspicions about potential drug smuggling is encouraged to contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Have a News story to share?

Contact [email protected]