24 October 2012

“P” Interceptions On The Decline

Customs’ quarterly drug statistics show a decline in interceptions of precursors used to manufacture methamphetamine or “P”. Surveys indicate that availability of methamphetamine is being constrained which is a direct result of border activity.

Customs Group Manager Investigation and Response, Bill Perry, says one of the main strategies in stamping out ‘P’ is breaking supply chains. Customs plays a huge part in that with the seizure of precursor drugs such as ContacNT which contain pseudoephedrine.

“Last year, Customs seized 613 kilograms of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products,” says Mr Perry, “This is almost half the amount Customs seized in 2009, which supports surveys showing demand for the end product is down.”

Traditionally, methamphetamine precursors arriving in New Zealand have come from China in the form of ContacNT. NZ Customs has been working closely with China Customs to identify and progress specific ways of stemming the illegal import of precursors from China.

In August, Customs destroyed 220 kilograms of illegal drugs, the bulk of which was ContacNT, a Class B drug.

For the nine months to the end of September Customs seized 306 kilograms of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine – avoiding potential harm of up to $34 million.

“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 49 seizures of Class A, drugs, 525 seizures of Class B and 680 seizures of Class C drugs in the six months to the end of September 2012.

“As with other markets, 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.”

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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The New Zealand Customs Service is the government organisation that protects the community from potential risks arising from international trade and travel, while facilitating the legitimate movement of people and goods across the border. Established in 1840, it is New Zealand’s oldest government agency.

As New Zealand's gatekeepers our role includes intercepting contraband (such as illegal drugs); checking travellers and their baggage cargo and mail; protecting businesses against illegal trade; and assessing and collecting Customs duties, excise, and goods and services tax on imports. We use intelligence and risk assessment to target physical checks of containers, vessels or travellers. As a law enforcement agency we conduct investigations and audits, and prosecute offenders.

Customs works closely with other border agencies, in particular the Ministry for Primary Industries and Immigration New Zealand.

More information about Customs can be found on our website: www.customs.govt.nz

ENDS

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