TWO Fijians have been arrested in Tauranga, New Zealand after authorities caught the duo arriving in a commercial boat earlier this week with at least 34kg of methamphetamine on board.
According to a report by TVNZ, the men who are both in their 30s appeared in the Tauranga District Court yesterday afternoon.
They face charges of importation and possession of a Class A controlled drug, and it carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Customs said the 34kg methamphetamine seized was worth up to NZD$17m.
Customs investigations manager Bruce Berry said the seizure was a reminder that Customs was active in seaports across the country.
“This vessel was identified as posing a potential risk before it arrived in New Zealand, and the seizure is the result of some very good work by Customs frontline officers in Tauranga – one of the main shipping hubs into New Zealand,” said Mr Berry.
According to the report, the boat arrived in Tauranga from Fiji on November 18, 2019.
The news agency reported that the methamphetamine was hidden in bags in various locations onboard.
Approximately NZ$11,400 worth of Fijian banknotes were also found on board and had been seized by Customs.
