A crew of Air New Zealand baggage handlers have been arrested as part of a drugs bust

They're accused of helping someone to avoid border security checks and smuggle drugs into the country during lockdown.

Four men who work at the Auckland International Airport were jointly charged with a local rap musician, of importing eight million dollars worth of methamphetamine in May.

In what's believed to be the first known prosecution in the country, the Customs investigation will allege the staff were involved in a drug smuggling tactic referred to overseas as "rip on, rip off".

All have pleaded not guilty to the charges and will appear again in the Manukau District Court next month.