A Brazilian man has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for carrying 2.6 kilos of cocaine worth up to $1.8 million through Auckland Airport in a suitcase last year, telling Customs he did it to get free travel to New Zealand.
Marlon Batista de Macedo, 33, came to the attention of Customs officers carrying out pre-screening of passengers prior to the arrival of his flight from Dubai on September 12, 2017.
When Customs officers examined the contents of his Samsonite suitcase they found inconsistencies.
A closer look found approximately 2.6kg of cocaine concealed behind the plastic backing of the suitcase.
The man denied any knowledge of the cocaine and said he agreed to carry the bag so he could get free travel to New Zealand.
He was sentenced today in the Manukau District Court.
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