New Zealand government cannot stop death penalty overseas: PM

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has said that his government cannot prevent the death penalty being carried out if New Zealanders are convicted of drug trafficking in Asia, media reported Monday.

Antony de Malmanche, 52, was arrested last week at Ngurah Rai airport in Bali, Indonesia, after being seen acting suspiciously at the baggage claim area, Stuff.co.nz reported Monday.

He was allegedly trying to bring 1.709 kg of methamphetamines into the country.

It followed the arrest of Peter Gardner, 25, and his girlfriend Kalynda Davis in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou Nov 5 after Chinese customs staff allegedly found 75 kg of methamphetamine in a luggage scan.

Both countries have the death penalty for such offences.

Prime Minister Key said that while New Zealand opposed the death penalty, there was little the government could do to help them.

"We're obviously very concerned, we are providing consular assistance," the prime minister said.

"Given it's before the courts, outside of providing that support there is very little we can do."