Three airport workers have been arrested for their role in allegedly smuggling of up to $21.7 million worth of methamphetamine into the country.

Customs said in a statement released today they identified suspicious activity within the Auckland Airport precincts earlier this month.

“Investigations established that the three workers had moved a container off a flight from Malaysia at Auckland International Airport on 12 March,” said the statement.

The men were arrested and appeared in the Manukau District Court on that same day.

The seized methamphetamine equates to close to 2.9 million individual doses, with a potential street value of up to $21.7 million.

The seizure is estimated to have prevented up to $61m in social harm and cost to New Zealand.

Customs have seized a street value of approximately $21.7 million worth of methamphetamine, March 2025. Photo / Customs

The trio has been remanded in custody facing multiple charges for the importation of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for supply.

Customs Investigations Manager, Dominic Adams, said this case sends a clear message to transnational and serious organised crime groups.

Customs have arrested a trio of airport workers for smuggling meth. Photo / Customs

“We are always on the lookout for signs of suspicious behaviour across the supply chain and have eyes on everyone trusted to work in secure areas,” Adams said.

Earlier today, Customs, with assistance from police, also found a number of items of interest, including a quantity of cocaine after they searched five properties in Auckland.

“Customs has zero-tolerance for anyone taking advantage of their privileged security access and we will not hesitate to prosecute those caught abusing it.

Detective Inspector Tom Gollan, National Organised Crime Group, said police will take any opportunity to disrupt or prevent harm that illicit drugs cause across communities.

“It is particularly pleasing to have this suspicious behaviour identified enabling the quick detection of the methamphetamine and the prompt arrest of the three people involved,” Gollan said.

“Again, it highlights the importance of the collaborative approach by Customs, police and the airport to detect and stamp out insider threats.”

Katie Oliver is a Christchurch-based multimedia journalist and breaking news reporter.