Businessman arrested after alleged attempt to smuggle two million cigarettes into New Zealand

An Auckland businessman has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle 2 million cigarettes into New Zealand.
Customs found approximately 1.5 million cigarettes in one container and 560,000 in another.
The businessman faces six charges, including defrauding customs revenue and importing prohibited goods.

An Auckland businessman has been arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle 2 million cigarettes in New Zealand.

Earlier this week, two shipping containers suspected of containing undeclared cigarettes were x-rayed by Customs.

An examination found about 1.5 million cigarettes hidden in cardboard boxes among cat litter bags and face towels. About 560,000 cigarettes were hidden among boxes of face masks in the second container.

Customs estimated the value of the shipment at about $3 million as potential revenue evasion.