Woman jailed for trying to smuggle $3.2m of cocaine into NZ

  • 15/06/2017
False bottom suitcase cocaine smuggling (NZ Customs / supplied)
Photo credit: NZ Customs / supplied

A Brazilian woman has been jailed for eight years after trying to smuggle $3.2 million worth of cocaine into New Zealand.

Evelin Stemposki, 29, was caught by Customs officials when she tried to come into the country in early April.

After officials questioned her and x-rayed her bags, they discovered it had a false bottom containing 4.6kg of cocaine.

She was sentenced to eight years' jail in the Manukau District Court on Thursday afternoon.

False bottom suitcase cocaine smuggling (NZ Customs / supplied)
Photo credit: NZ Customs / supplied

Customs Investigations Manager Bruce Berry said she had an elaborate cover-up story but was caught-out by Customs officials on the frontline and those who pre-screened her, identifying her as a high-risk passenger.

"Transnational criminal syndicates recruit drug couriers through various means, and have no concern for their wellbeing. These individuals end up bearing the brunt of the law," he said.

Newshub.