Two New Zealand men face court over meth-soaked clothing imports

Two New Zealand men have appeared in court on separate drug-smuggling charges after allegedly being caught with methamphetamine-soaked clothing, with both interceptions linked to flights from Kuala Lumpur. A 31-year-old man was referred for a baggage check on August 30 after arriving from Kuala Lumpur, where Customs officers found sealed bags of clothing described as "heavy, stiff and covered in a white powder residue" that tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight of the drug intercepted is still being determined. Customs acting manager Simon Peterson said transnational criminal groups were believed to be behind the co-ordinated smuggling attempts, calling the combined seizure a "significant disruption" to drug supply. He warned of "life-changing consequences" for couriers and said serious penalties await anyone caught importing illicit drugs into New Zealand.