The Papeete prosecutor's office announced on Tuesday the seizure by customs last Friday of nine kilos of methamphetamine in the luggage of plane passengers, the largest quantity of this drug ever seized at Tahiti-Faa'a airport.
The ice (local name of this drug) was "hidden in an enclosure, an overhead projector and five boxes of chocolates", according to the vice-prosecutor Yann Hausner.
The checked baggage had been placed in the hold of a Los Angeles - Papeete flight.
Four passengers were arrested at Tahiti-Faa'a airport and a fifth person gave himself up to investigators the next day.
They were all referred to the Papeete prosecutor's office on Tuesday.
They face ten years in prison and a 7.5 million euro fine
Some people arrested gave "a fanciful version of the facts showing that they had transported narcotics without their knowledge," said the prosecution.
They face ten years in prison and a 7.5 million euro fine, as well as a customs fine corresponding to the value of the drugs transported and the seizure of all their property.
Apart from pakalolo, the cannabis cultivated in Polynesia, methamphetamine is the most widely used drug in this overseas community.
Purchased at a low price in Mexico or California, it can be resold for 2,500 euros per gram in Tahiti.
"This significant new case shows that ice trafficking continues despite the pandemic," said the deputy prosecutor.
Society
Dunkirk: Customs officers get their hands on 416 kg of cocaine hidden in a load of bananas
Miscellaneous
North: 256 kg of cocaine seized near the port of Dunkirk, three men indicted
Miscellaneous
Customs
French Polynesia
Drug
Airport