An Auckland businessman, 41, appeared in the North Shore District Court yesterday, Friday, 1 November 2024, in connection with the smuggling of approximately two million cigarettes.

The illicit tobacco was seized by Customs following information from overseas border partners about two suspect sea freight containers destined for the Port of Auckland.

Upon x-raying the containers, Customs officers discovered anomalies and subsequently found the hidden cigarettes, valued at approximately NZ$3 million in revenue evasion.

The cigarettes were concealed among everyday items like cat litter, face towels, and face masks.

Customs investigators executed search warrants at a business premises and the man's residential home on Thursday, 31 October 2024, leading to the arrest.

The individual faces six charges, including defrauding Customs revenue, importing prohibited goods, and making erroneous entries.

According to Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams, "This is another great example of the global intelligence network collaborating to detect illicit cigarettes at the border, and disrupting significant criminal efforts to defraud Crown revenue and New Zealand taxpayers."

Customs encourages anyone with information about suspicious activity to contact them confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.