Two Auckland Airport baggage handlers have been arrested after they allegedly attempted to smuggle drugs in a backpack.
The drugs were located in a backpack that had arrived on Air New Zealand flight NZ5 from Los Angeles on November 11, Customs said.
The men, aged 19 and 23, were employed as baggage handlers at the airport and have been jointly charged with importing methamphetamine.
There was 4.6 kilograms of methamphetamine recovered from the backpack, which could produce around 230,000 common doses of smoked methamphetamine with a total street value of up to $870,000, Customs said.
Customs investigations manager Cam Moore said the seizure and arrests are a warning about the risks faced by people willing to abuse the trust and access they're given to work at our border.
"We know this risk exists and we are always watching out for the signs," Moore said.
"We also need everyone else to watch out and help to protect Aotearoa New Zealand by noticing and reporting suspicious behaviour to Customs confidentially - whether it’s something unusual at an airport, or in the freight and maritime environments."
The men are scheduled to appear in the Manukau District Court on Monday.
If you know or suspect someone may be involved in illegal activity, call Customs on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) a 24-hour confidential hotline, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
