A 60-year-old businessman from Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland has been jailed for his role in smuggling six tonnes of tobacco from Tonga.
Mosese Vakapuna imported 5982kg of loose-leaf tobacco, and evaded paying $10.3 million in duties and taxes on it.
Vakapuna, along with his company JM Store Limited, were convicted on 23 charges relating to defrauding Customs' revenue.
Vakapuna was sentenced to 28 months in prison at the Auckland District Court on Friday, while JM Store was fined $2300.
Dominic Adams, Customs' investigations manager, said it's not illegal to import tobacco in large quantities, but individuals and businesses need to have importation permits, declare it properly, and pay taxes where due.
"Customs' message to businesses and opportunists who think they can get away with this type of crime is that - we are very keen to meet with you, and it's only a matter of time before we come knocking on your door," Adams said.
Customs launched an investigation into Vakapuna's smuggling after officers seized 558kg of tapaka or 'Tongan chop' in October 2022.
The tapaka was hidden amongst a shipment containing frozen cassava, kava powder, and taro.
Another shipment containing 510kg of tapaka and food products, destined for JM Store in November 2021, was also linked to the investigation.
It turns out Vakapuna imported a total of 23 shipments to his shop over a 21-month period.
He was later arrested at Auckland Airport after he travelled from Tonga November 4, 2022.
Customs officers identified that the tapaka was to be sold in New Zealand, "particularly amongst Pasifika communities".
Adams warned smugglers could "lose everything" for illegal imports.
"Nothing is worth that risk."
