Police are investigating if a Colombian woman, who died in Auckland after a suspected drug package burst inside her, has links to organised crime.
Sorlinda Arirtizabal Vega died shortly after being admitted to Auckland Hospital early on Wednesday.
She had only arrived in Auckland the previous day from Buenos Aires with other family members, including children.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard said a post mortem examination revealed she had 26 packages each thought to contain 20g of cocaine inside her.
At least one of those packages had burst.
If proved to be cocaine, its street value would have been $175,000.
"It's a huge risk to carry drugs internally, and it would seem she paid the ultimate price," Det Insp Beard told NZN.
The police investigation is now spreading to try to find out how Ms Vega was supplied.
Det Insp Beard said they were investigating if there were any links between the woman, her family and organised crime in New Zealand.
"We still have to talk to some of her family members - there are some language issues," he said.
The death has been referred to the coroner.
NZN