Customs officers have seized an estimated 2kg of methamphetamine concealed inside a portable barbecue grill.

A foreign national arrived at Auckland International Airport on a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday when he was identified for a baggage search.

During the search, officers found a brown cardboard box inside the man’s suitcase containing an electric barbecue, with the drugs concealed in two vacuum-sealed packets under the grill plate.

The box the drugs were found in. Photo / NZ Customs

The drugs had a street value of $600,000, and Customs estimated it would have caused about $2 million in social harm.

The 45-year-old was arrested and appeared in court on Monday, charged with importation and possession for supply of a Class A Controlled Drug.

Customs Auckland Airport manager Paul Williams said the find is part of a wider pattern of sophisticated concealment tactics being used by smugglers.

The bbq grill. Photo / NZ Customs

“The number of smuggling attempts and volumes we’re blocking at the airport is unprecedented – and it couldn’t be done without our team taking the necessary time to delve deep, with meticulous attention to detail that unearths finds such as this one,” said Williams.

Customs continues to face increasing challenges at the border.

Just last month, officers at Auckland Airport seized illicit drugs worth $25.81 million from flights arriving from New York and Malaysia.

Last week, a 19-year-old was caught carrying an estimated 15kg of methamphetamine and cocaine in his luggage.

Suspicions about drug smuggling can be reported by calling 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) in confidence, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.