Customs have arrested 16 people in an investigation into drug smuggling syndicates recruiting teenagers to take methamphetamine through Auckland Airport.

The service alleged 252kg of the drug was transported, mainly in passenger luggage, on return trips to Malaysia between October 2025 and January 2026.

The three-month investigation, assisted by police, allegedly found a locally based syndicate recruiting New Zealanders to become couriers through social media.

“This is a tactic we know is used by organised criminal groups worldwide,” Customs investigations manager Dominic Adams said.

“They will recruit suitcase couriers through social media to do the legwork for them, offering money in exchange for travelling overseas and bringing back drugs in their luggage.”

Search warrants executed yesterday in Rotorua, Auckland and Hamilton led to the arrest of 11 people aged 19 to 31 alleged to be linked to the syndicate as couriers, recruiters and organisers.

Five other people were arrested in January, taking the number of people arrested in the operation to 16.

Adams said the industry was ruining young people’s lives around the world, including in New Zealand.

“We want young New Zealanders to be aware of the consequences,” he said.

“Customs urges you not to sacrifice future freedoms for the promise of fast money and free travel.

“Drug couriers will face a long time in prison, as well as jeopardise future employment opportunities and international travel – it is not worth the risk.”

Young people involved in the trade have been warned consequences could be worse overseas, with some countries having the death penalty for drug trafficking.

Detective Inspector Albie Alexander from the Police National Organised Crime Group said the results of the operation are an example of like-minded agencies working together to root out groups that target communities through the sale of illegal drugs.

“This type of offending undermines the wellbeing of our communities by creating widespread social harm,” Alexander said.