Woman arrested after $1.55m of cocaine seized at Auckland Airport
The 25-year-old had arrived from Santiago, Chile, and had been referred for a baggage search.
Customs said officers found the drugs concealed in the suitcase panelling.
'She faces charges for importing and possessing a class A controlled drug with intent to supply.'
Customs chief officer Ben Wells said: 'Organised crime uses various methods to smuggle drugs. This concealment was intricate, and our officers' training and persistence led to its discovery.'
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If sold in retail amounts, Customs said the cocaine would have been worth approximately $1.55 million, and its removal has prevented up to $1.49 million in social harm and cost to New Zealand.
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