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US police say an "altercation" led them to search a cruise ship cabin shared by two New Zealanders who were allegedly found with 5kg of cocaine.
The two New Zealanders and an Australian man were arrested after Customs officials performed a routine search of the ship when it docked at the Port of San Francisco on January 25 following a cruise in the Caribbean.
They have been charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The US Department of Homeland Security said in an affidavit released today that after seizing 7kg of cocaine from Australian man Ahmed Rachid, they learned from ship personnel that he had previously had an altercation with New Zealand woman Kirsty Harris, 25.
Customs officers then searched the room Harris shared with New Zealander Tony Wilkinson, 42, who "appeared to be holding drug paraphernalia" and tried to shut the cabin door on the officers.
Agents heard the bathroom faucet turn on and saw Wilkinson "rinsing drug paraphernalia" in the sink.
Customs officials detained Harris and Wilkinson and searched the cabin, where they say they found 5kg of cocaine in a black pelican case.
The three accused have been remanded in custody until their next court appearances on May 3.
As yet, it is unclear whether the two parties were acquainted, but authorities are alleging that Rachid was working with Wilkinson and Harris to smuggle in the cocaine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said yesterday it was providing consular assistance to the New Zealanders involved.
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