New Zealand tourist held at Rarotonga Airport with concealed cannabis
A 50-year-old New Zealand tourist was detained at Rarotonga Airport after customs found a concealed bag of cannabis and two bags of white powder on him, and he was remanded in prison. Police said he was to appear in court on 24 July 2025.
🇳🇿 Rarotonga Airport, Rarotonga, Cook Islands · New Zealand
A 50-year-old New Zealand tourist was detained at Rarotonga Airport for
importing cannabis and was expected to appear in court on 24 July 2025.[1]Cook Islands Police media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt said the tourist had
arrived on a flight from New Zealand on Tuesday and had been remanded in prison.[1]Customs officers detained him after finding a concealed bag of cannabis and
two bags of white powder on him.[1]Pitt said the powder was now subject to
analysis.[1]
Police were notified and the incoming passenger was taken to National
Headquarters, where he was processed.[1]The same police roundup also reported
a motorcyclist breaking a leg in a crash by the Punanga Nui Market, a
drunk-driving arrest and a car driven into a hedge at Takuvaine, separate
incidents left out of this report.[1]
Case data
Every number and detail the sources state, with the sources that state it.
Police found $54,000 in a shoebox when they stopped an 18-year-old's car on Theodosia Street in Timaru, and a search of his home turned up more cash and a small amount of drugs. The Christchurch teenager appeared in the Timaru District Court the same day charged with supply and possession for supply of cannabis, and was remanded on bail until 1 December.
A three-month operation ended with search warrants at two New Plymouth properties, six arrests and the seizure of cash, cannabis, methamphetamine, a rifle and a homemade taser. A 27-year-old woman faces cannabis supply charges and was remanded until 29 October.
A 37-year-old man was charged with importing Class A and Class C controlled drugs, alleged to be methamphetamine and cannabis, after Cook Islands Customs officers detected the drugs at the Aitutaki International Wharf on 14 April 2026. Customs and police issued a joint statement on the case.
Cook Islands Police arrested a 36-year-old man at Rarotonga International Airport after Customs found more than a kilogram of cannabis in two packages in his luggage. He was remanded in custody after a court appearance on the Saturday, 22 November 2025.
