International drug supply busted in New Zealand-Thailand investigation

The Authorities in New Zealand and Thailand said Monday they had arrested a major international drugs supplier after a joint investigation.

The supplier, who had been sending methamphetamine from Thailand to New Zealand, was arrested at the end of last month, according to a statement from New Zealand Customs and New Zealand Police.

The two agencies and liaison officers based in Bangkok had worked closely with Thailand's Office of the Narcotic Control Board, the Police Narcotic Suppression Bureau, and the Thailand Customs Department to identify the supplier.

Last year, New Zealand Customs and police conducted two joint investigations involving multiple seizures of methamphetamine couriered from Thailand, which led to the arrest of five New Zealanders.

The drugs had been concealed using a range of methods, including in clutch purses, a flower vase, and car shock absorbers.

The Thai authorities had also stopped a number of packages containing methamphetamine in Bangkok that were destined for Auckland.

"This is the result of focused efforts behind the scenes over a long period of time. We worked together from the outset, with the shared goal of cracking down on the entire supply chain to halt the trade," New Zealand Customs investigations manager Maurice O'Brien said in the statement. Endit