A 72-year-old American man has appeared in Manukau District Court charged with importing millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine.
The man was arrested when he arrived from Bangkok at Auckland airport on 28 December last year, after Customs officers said they found 6.2 kilograms of 'P' in the lining of his suitcase. Customs estimated the drugs were worth $3 million to $6 million.
He remains in custody until his next scheduled court appearance in March.
Customs investigations manager Maurice O'Brien said criminal syndicates appear to be targeting older people to carry significant amounts of drugs across borders.
A 68-year-old Auckland man was arrested in November after he arrived into New Zealand from Papua New Guinea, allegedly carrying 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside two bags he had been given.
In Australia, two Americans aged 70 and 55 were arrested last week, accused of importing methamphetamine.
