Kiwi cops hot in pursuit of smuggled KFC

Sticky finger-lickin' good? Granted, KFC'S slogan is on hiatus, but the pandemic has resulted in some hangry people in New Zealand resorting to desperate measures.

Two men attempted to get into Auckland — where takeout is restricted under the city's Stage 4 lockdown — with three buckets of fried chicken and an unknown quantity of fries and coleslaw, according to a news release from the New Zealand Police Department.

Also in the trunk was $100,000.

Police pulled over the known gang associates, who had reportedly driven from Hamilton, about 120 km south of Auckland, with the forbidden food.

A quick search of their car uncovered the stacks of cash and all the grub, which police could probably smell before even opening the boot.

“The vehicle was searched and police located the cash, alongside empty ounce bags and a large amount of takeaways,” said police.

Aucklanders are in the fifth week of the strict lockdown, which does not allow restaurants to open or residents to order takeout and has significantly limited travel across city boundaries.

A breach of the country's COVID-19 Public Health Response Act can result in jail time of up to six months or a fine of up to $4,000.

The men, a 23- and 30-year-old, are set to appear in court for breaching the public health order.

The investigation is ongoing and police said more charges are likely.