A campervan booking, two suitcases and $619,000 of cocaine

A campervan booking and return flights made it look like an ordinary New Zealand holiday. But hidden in a visitor’s suitcase lining was around $619,000 worth of cocaine — and Customs stopped him before he left the airport.

On Case by Case, Jane Yee speaks with Open Justice reporter Ric Stevens about the smuggling attempt that led to a four-year, two-month prison sentence. They also explore New Zealand’s growing cocaine market, the links between overseas cartels and local organised crime, and the harm behind the drug’s party reputation.

Case by Case is a New Zealand Herald podcast from the Open Justice team, with support from New Zealand On Air.

New episodes every Tuesday at 5.30PM NZT.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.