Two men have been jailed for their roles in smuggling large amounts of ephedrine with the potential to make $25 million worth of methamphetamine.
The ephedrine was smuggled in furniture and was intercepted by Customs after it was sent by airfreight and in mail consignments.
The shipments included wooden tables with hollow plastic legs, aluminium shelves, and plastic cylinders sent with 'fitness equipment' such as skipping ropes.
Japanese nationals Kentaro Hara, 42, and Kazuki Keino, 49, were both jailed for their roles in the drug smuggling ring, after appearing for sentence at the Manukau District Court on Friday.
Hara, described as a 'drug catcher' by Customs, was jailed for two years and one month for attempted possession of a class b drug.