Woman arrested for attempting to smuggle 22 pounds of meth wrapped as Christmas gifts in carry-on bag

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Observant officers in a New Zealand airport unwrapped $2 million worth of methamphetamine wrapped as Christmas presents that a Canadian woman attempted to conceal.

The woman, 29, arrived at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand on a flight from Vancouver on December 8 carrying the illicit drugs in her carry-on bag, according to a release from the New Zealand Customs Service. 

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Upon landing, officers questioned the woman and searched her carry-on duffle bag, where they discovered more than 22 pounds of methamphetamine concealed beneath brightly wrapped snowflake wrapping paper.

A Canadian woman was arrested and is facing drug importation and possession charges after she allegedly attempted to smuggle pounds of methamphetamine wrapped as Christmas presents in her carry-on bag.  (New Zealand Customs Service)

Officials say the Canadian national’s bag contained the equivalent of more than $2 million U.S. dollars worth of the illicit drug. 

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The woman, 29, arrived at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand on a flight from Vancouver on December 8.  (New Zealand Customs Service)

Auckland Airport Manager Paul Williams called the incident a “classic attempt by transnational organized criminal groups” at exploiting the busy travel season.

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“But a busy airport does not mean Customs is not focused on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk,” Williams said in a statement. “The airport teams are made up of vigilant officers who are intently focused on catching those trying to bring harm to New Zealand.”

Officials say the bag contained the equivalent of more than $2 million U.S. dollars worth of the drug.  (New Zealand Customs Service)

The woman has since appeared in district court on charges of importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug, officers noted.

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“More collaborative work is being done with our Canadian partners to disrupt criminal gangs and the importation of drugs, including through the passenger stream,” Williams told Fox News Digital in an email. “As this is part of an ongoing investigation, Customs would not release further information for operational reasons.”

Authorities said the woman has been taken into custody.

Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. 

Story tips and ideas can be sent to sarah.rumpf@fox.com and on X: @s_rumpfwhitten.