A 26-year-old Christchurch man has been arrested and charged with importing methamphetamine concealed in a chess set, e-bike battery, and air fryers.
He was due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today on four charges relating to the importation of methamphetamine.
Customs said the arrest follows a long-running investigation into multiple drug consignments smuggled through international mail between March 2024 and April 2025, all destined for Christchurch addresses.
Acting Investigations Manager Matthew Green said the operation was the result of persistent work by frontline and intelligence staff.
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“Customs has kept track of the smuggling effort since early 2024 when frontline officers at the International Mail Centre started intercepting consignments from the United States,” Green said.
“Customs investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s address this morning where we arrested him and seized his mobile phone and laptop for further forensic examination.”
Four separate seizures have been linked to the man, totalling approximately 1.64 kilograms of methamphetamine. Customs said the estimated street value of the drugs was around $494,000, and the seizures had prevented an estimated $1.73 million in social harm and cost to New Zealand communities.
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Green said using the mail system is a common tactic for drug smugglers trying to move smaller amounts in frequent shipments.
“Every seizure is carefully recorded, and it is only a matter of time before this leads to an arrest and prosecution,” he said.
“Customs analytical expertise and risk assessment capabilities, which have been further enhanced with the recent opening of the new Auckland Processing Centre, mean we are better equipped than ever to detect such attempts.”
