South American cocaine mule Victor Hermosilla caught at Auckland Airport, ends up in prison
A South American man has been sentenced to over four years in a New Zealand prison after being caught smuggling 1.77kg of cocaine at Auckland Airport. The case highlights the increasing prevalence of cocaine trafficking and usage within New Zealand.
Why it matters
The incident reflects a growing trend of international drug smuggling operations targeting New Zealand, prompting increased scrutiny from border authorities.
To learn more about this case and surging cocaine use in New Zealand, watch the latest episode of the Open Justice podcast Case by Case in the video above, or listen to the audio episode here:
A South American cocaine smuggler booked a hotel and campervan for a 15-day visit to make his trip to New Zealand look like a legitimate holiday.
He is now looking at a longer stay and a different sort of accommodation - four years and two months in a Kiwi prison.
Victor Hugo Tolentino Hermosilla arrived on a flight from Santiago, Chile in August last year.
He was caught before he even cleared the arrivals hall.
Customs officers found 1.77kg of cocaine inside the false linings of his two suitcases.
Cocaine use in New Zealand has been spiralling upwards in recent years.
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