Customs caught the haul earlier this week after X-raying two suspicious containers, uncovering 1.5 million cigarettes stashed among cat litter bags and another 560,000 concealed with face masks.
Customs estimates the bust saved $3 million in potential tax evasion.
On Thursday, search warrants were executed at the man’s home and business, and he appeared in North Shore District Court Friday facing six serious charges, including defrauding Customs revenue.
Customs investigations head Dominic Adams said the bust thwarted a major attempt to dodge Crown revenue, crediting cooperation with overseas partners for the seizure.
Customs has arrested an Auckland businessman after 2 million cigarettes were smuggled into the country this week. The illicit tobacco was seized following information from overseas border partners about two sea freight containers headed for NZ. Read more: https://t.co/uItO2Fflh6 pic.twitter.com/f6Zf5BzjVz
— New Zealand Customs Service (@NZ_Customs) November 1, 2024
