Woman jailed for attempting to smuggle cocaine into Auckland Airport
Thursday 1 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story NZ Customs Service
A foreign national has been sentenced to seven years and four months in prison by the Manukau District Court. She was caught after Customs officers discovered more than 1.6kg of cocaine concealed within the lining of her suitcase.
Key facts
6 facts
- Sentence: seven years and four months in prison
- Drug quantity: more than 1.6kg of cocaine
- Location of discovery: Auckland International Airport
- Flight origin: Santiago, Chile
- Date of arrival: July 20, 2025
- Court: Manukau District Court
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
A foreign national has been sentenced in the Manukau District Court to seven years and four months in prison. The woman was caught attempting to smuggle more than 1.6kg of cocaine into New Zealand.
The woman arrived at Auckland International Airport on a flight from Santiago, Chile, on July 20, 2025. Customs officers selected her luggage for an X-ray and a baggage search.
Officers noticed both suitcases remained unusually heavy even after all contents were removed. A physical examination of the interior lining revealed a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.
Chief Customs Officer compliance & enforcement, Natalie Ross, said, "Behind every cocaine shipment is a criminal network motivated by profit, not the wellbeing of New Zealanders". She added that couriers helping organised crime groups should expect significant consequences.
Compiled from reports by 1News and Stuff.