Canadian jailed for smuggling $8m meth into New Zealand

  • 21/03/2018
Canadian jailed for smuggling $8m meth into New Zealand
Photo credit: New Zealand Customs

A Canadian man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for smuggling $8 million worth of methamphetamine into New Zealand.

Kyle Roberston McCready, 27, was sentenced in the Manukau District Court in January, and will serve a minimum of six years in prison before facing deportation.

He was arrested at Auckland Airport on October 7 2016, he was trying to leave the country after he'd been linked to drugs detected at the airport on October 5.

Customs officers found 8 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside a concrete footstool at the Air Cargo Inspection Facility in Auckland, which had arrived via air freight from the United States.

Mr McCready had said he was in New Zealand for a holiday.

He had rented a room on a short-term basis through the internet and tried to use a fake name to receive the shipment.

Customs Acting Manager Investigations Michael Blades said the arrest involved "quick investigative action that linked the package to the individual  making sure he wasn't able to escape the country before being caught".

"We urge New Zealanders  roommates, landlords, or neighbours to be aware of criminals who could be operating around them. If they have rented a place for short term, and are receiving packages 'for a friend'  please report any suspicions to 0800 4 CUSTOMS."

Newshub.