Crystal meth worth $5m found in picture frames at Auckland Airport

The New Zealand Customs Service has found $5 million worth of the drug known as P hidden in picture frames at Auckland International Airport.

The haul of crystal methamphetamine, a class A drug, was made on Monday.

The drug was packed in 43 picture frames in the luggage of two passengers who were travelling via Hong Kong on Canadian passports.

The 34-year-old woman and 23-year-old man caught in the bust are due to appear in the Manukau District Court on October 4.

They have been charged with importing a Class A controlled drug and with possession of a Class A controlled drug for the purposes of supply.

Customs said an x-ray examination of the luggage revealed the hidden cargo.

Around 100g of crystal methamphetamine was discovered within each of the identical picture frames.

"This seizure highlights the need for his team to remain constantly alert to smuggling trends," New Zealand Customs manager for Auckland Airport, Eddie Kohlhase said.

"While we've again had success, it's a constant challenge for us to be one step ahead of the criminals - they can be very inventive."

Customs has now seized 109.1kg or the drug so far this year, nearly ten times more than the 11.8kg seized during the whole of 2005.

"New Zealand continues to be targeted by international drug trafficking networks intent on bringing crystal methamphetamine and other forms of this hard drug into New Zealand," said Simon Williamson, Customs' investigations manager for drugs.

- NZPA