A Canadian has been jailed after trying to smuggle 8kg of meth through Auckland airport freight, disguised in a concrete footstool.

The 27-year-old was sentenced in the Manukau District Court to 15 years' jail and will need to serve at least 6 years behind bars before facing deportation, the Customs Service said in a statement on Wednesday.

Customs investigators arrested Kyle Robertson McCready at Auckland Airport on 7 October 2016 while trying to leave the country, after he was linked to an air freight shipment seized two days earlier.

Supplied Packets of Meth found hidden in a fake stool.

He was convicted in January, after a jury trial.

Customs officers had searched the Air Cargo Inspection Facility in 2016 and examined a "decorative foot stool" sent via air freight from the USA.

Once smashed open, the concrete "foot stool" was found to contain 18 methamphetamine filled packages wrapped in plastic and carbon paper – weighing approximately 8 kg and worth a street value of up to $8 million. Forensic testing showed it had a purity level of 80 percent.

Supplied/file photo A Customs officer smashes open the fake concrete footstool to find packets of meth hidden inside.

Customs Acting Manager Investigations Michael Blades said the arrest was the result of Customs working closely with the freight company and public.

"The arrest involved quick investigative action that linked the package to the individual – making sure he wasn't able to escape the country before being caught."

"Customs profiles and targets the different methods that criminal syndicates use to smuggle illicit drugs. In this case, the man had travelled to New Zealand for a 'holiday', rented a room via an internet ad on a short-term basis, and used a fake name to receive the shipment.

"We urge New Zealanders – room-mates, landlords, or neighbours to be aware of criminals who could be operating around them. If they have rented a place for short term, and are receiving packages 'for a friend' – please report any suspicions to 0800 4 CUSTOMS."