Hon Casey Costello
Minister Of Customs

Two new state-of-the-art uncrewed vessels officially launched in Devonport today will help combat transnational organised crime, Customs Minister Casey Costello says.

“Defence and Customs trialled one of these vessels last year and that demonstrated their value and capabilities,” Ms Costello says.

“The new Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), Tahi and Rua, have been purchased by the two agencies to enhance New Zealand’s ability to patrol and protect its maritime interests and security – including stopping drug smuggling.

“Collaboration and joint investments in modern technology like this demonstrate how agencies like Customs and Defence can work together to detect illegal activity and tackle organised crime.

“New Zealand has the world’s 12th largest coastline, and vast maritime interests. The Pacific used to protect us from illicit trade, but organised crime groups are now using it and our legitimate trading routes to target us and our neighbours and build markets.

“Customs, supported by Defence, Police and overseas agencies, are stopping increasing quantities of illicit drugs prior to reaching New Zealand – 2.5 tonnes of methamphetamine and cocaine last year – but we are continually strengthening our response and the USVs provide extra capability.

“The USVs can operate at sea for extended periods and enhance our ability to monitor New Zealand’s vast maritime environment, providing real-time intelligence. They are also practical and cost effective, reducing the risk to Navy diving teams and unnecessary delays in processing shipping.”

Built in Sydney, the USVs were purchased following a successful seven-month trial during which a USV played a critical role in an operation to recover a steel box with seven kilograms of cocaine hidden in the hull of a commercial vessel heading to Auckland last April.

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