MEDIA RELEASE


19 July 2012

Drug disposal highlights a successful six months

Two hundred and twenty kilograms of illegal drugs were destroyed yesterday in a Customs drug disposal operation. ContacNT made up the bulk of the drugs destroyed. Other types of drugs destroyed included, Methylene (Bath Salts), Cannabis and Cannabis seeds, GABA, Methamphetamine and GBL.

The destruction coincides with the release of Customs’ year to date figures on the number of drug seizure incidents.

Customs Group Manager Investigation and Response, Bill Perry, says Customs’ role is to restrict the supply of drugs to New Zealand, and the disposal of 220kgs of Class A, B and C drugs reflects a successful six months for Customs.

“We are constantly alert to smuggling trends and we have capabilities, intelligence, expertise, and dedicated resources that help us stop drugs getting through,” Mr Perry said.

Customs made 46 seizures of Class A, drugs, 346 seizures of Class B and 447 seizures of Class C drugs in the six months to the end of June 2012.

“Like any other market, the illicit drug market is governed by supply and demand. That demand means we will continue to see criminal groups attempting to smuggle drugs into New Zealand.”

“While we've had successes the constant challenge for us is to be one step ahead of the criminals. Information and technology are used to enhance our effectiveness at identification of illegal substances at the border,” Mr Perry said.

Customs uses a range of methods to intercept and seize illegal drugs, such as x-ray inspection technology, intelligence, profiling for risks, electronic testing apparatus, and trained detector dogs. The experience, expertise, and vigilance of frontline Customs officers is also a vital component in drug interceptions.

Criminals go to great lengths to conceal drugs, and they are getting more complex and novel in their attempts. Customs recently seized drugs hidden in picture frames, suitcases, furniture, lamps, duty-free alcohol bottles, attached to shipping containers, and carried internally inside the body, for example.

The internal smuggling of drugs poses huge risks. Internal smugglers face life imprisonment when they are caught, but they also risk death. Eight months ago a Colombian woman travelling to New Zealand from South America died after a package of cocaine burst inside her.

Customs works closely with other enforcement agencies to protect the community by restricting supplies of illegal drugs. Strategies like the National Drug Policy and Methamphetamine Action Plan are critical in terms of helping restrict supply and minimising harm to the community.

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