NZ Traveller Jailed for Cocaine-Stuffed Suitcase, Cosmetics

A woman has been sentenced to five years and five months’ jail after attempting to smuggle 4.3 kilograms of cocaine through Auckland International Airport a year ago.

Delphine Ganon, aged 42, appeared in the Manukau District Court today (Thursday 9 May 2024), and was convicted for importing and possessing a Class A controlled drug (cocaine).

She arrived into Auckland International Airport on 25 April 2023, and was stopped for questioning by a Customs Officer.

Her two suitcases were examined, revealing white powder in the lining of one suitcase that tested positive for cocaine. Contents of five cosmetics bottles also tested positive for liquified cocaine.

The 4.3 kilograms of cocaine recovered from the suitcase and cosmetics bottles would have produced around 43,300 common doses, with an estimated total street value of up to NZ$1.94 million. This seizure is estimated to have prevented up to NZ$1.29 million of social harm and cost to New Zealand.

Customs Manager Auckland Airport, Paul Williams, says this case is a great demonstration of vigilance at the border by our frontline officers.

"Customs remains ever-alert in our daily fight to stop the flow of illegal drugs from entering New Zealand. Our officers are well-equipped to identify and stop people who think they can bring illegal substances into our communities," Mr Williams said.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.