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SINGAPORE \u2013 An unemployed woman travelling from Singapore to New Zealand was caught with 18.45kg of methamphetamine worth an estimated $4.1 million.<\/p>\n
In a statement on Jan 6, the New Zealand Customs Service said that the alleged drug courier, a 33-year-old New Zealand national, had arrived at Auckland Airport\u00a0from Singapore on Jan 4 and was referred to Customs for further questioning.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring a search of her baggage, Customs officers found 18 individually vacuum-sealed packages containing a white crystalline substance. Testing confirmed that the substance was methamphetamine,\u201d said the agency.<\/p>\n
New Zealand Customs Service estimated that the methamphetamine seized could produce up to 922,500 doses, with a potential street value of NZ$5.53 million (S$4.1 million).<\/p>\n
In response to queries from The Straits Times, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said it has ascertained that the woman was on a flight to Auckland transiting in Singapore.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe flight did not originate from Singapore,\u201d said a CNB spokesperson, adding that as the matter is being investigated by the New Zealand authorities, it is \u201cinappropriate for CNB to comment further\u201d.<\/p>\n
The New Zealand Herald, citing court documents, reported that the woman, who is listed as having no fixed abode, had taken flight SQ285 from Singapore. <\/p>\n
She was charged on Jan 5 in a district court with one count of drug importation, and has been remanded until April for a case review hearing. If convicted, she could be jailed for life.<\/p>\n
Customs Auckland airport manager Paul Williams said: \u201cRegardless of whether you know what\u2019s in your bag, if it contains illegal drugs, you will face arrest.<\/p>\n
\u201cCustoms remains committed to reducing the harm caused by illicit drugs in our communities. No financial gain is worth the serious consequences, which can include life imprisonment.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n