Customs says organised crime syndicates are using social media to recruit young New Zealanders as drug mules.
It came as six people aged between 22 and 25 were charged with the importation of methamphetamine – a Class A controlled drug.
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Young New Zealanders are being increasingly recruited on social media to work as international drug couriers. (Source: 1News)
Customs alleges they were collectively involved in smuggling an estimated 93kg of methamphetamine inside suitcases, on return trips to Malaysia.
The arrests follow a series of Customs search warrants, with the assistance of police, across Auckland yesterday.
The latest arrests are part of a wider Customs investigation named Operation Trammel, which has so far resulted in 22 arrests and 31 searches since January.
Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams said the recruitment of young drug couriers was “an active and dangerous development” as transnational organised crime groups turned to social media platforms for exploitative purposes.
“Criminal groups are using social media to entice our young people into high-risk illegal activities, with the promise of overseas travel, cash and an Insta-worthy lifestyle.”
Adams said young Kiwis and their families should be “concerned and aware that drug syndicates are active on social networks, making offers that might sound hard to resist”.
“But be warned about offers that are too good to be true – they come with strings attached and lifetime consequences,” he said.
Anyone with suspicions about drug smuggling could report these confidentially to 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768), or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The accused have appeared in the Manukau District Court.