Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Hong Kong visitor jailed for ‘P’ stuffed statues

Hong Kong visitor jailed for ‘P’ stuffed statues


A 25-year-old Hong Kong visitor was today sentenced in the Auckland District Court to 10 years’ imprisonment after Customs linked her to methamphetamine or ‘P’ hidden in imported statues.

Ka Po Ching will have to serve at least four years minimum parole before being deported.

On 3 January 2014, a foot-high Chinese warrior statue in a glass case arrived by courier from Hong Kong. The glass case did not save it from closer inspection by Customs officers who found 993g of methamphetamine, with a street value of around one million dollars hidden inside.

Customs Manager Investigations Maurice O’Brien says criminals are creative in their attempts to bring drugs into the country but Customs will not be deterred by elaborate presentation and delivery methods.

Customs investigations linked the package to Ching who had arrived in New Zealand on 27 December, just a week before the statue arrived. She was later linked to other similar importations. Customs arrested her at a central city apartment she was renting.

Mr O’Brien says it’s not uncommon for syndicates to recruit young people from overseas and pay for them to travel to and reside in New Zealand solely to ‘catch’ and redeliver illicit drugs.

“The public should be aware that such criminals could be renting properties or apartments solely to have packages delivered to that address, or asking others to receive a package on their behalf.

To report suspected behaviours or concerns, call Customs on 0800 4 CUSTOMS (0800 428 786).

-ends-

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.