17 April 2014

Collaboration stops drugs from crossing borders

Collaboration between Hong Kong and New Zealand Customs has stopped millions of dollars worth of drugs coming into New Zealand this year, with a number of seizures and arrests in both countries.

NZ Customs Manager Investigations Maurice O’Brien says both administrations share a common goal and are actively engaged in operations to disrupt the drug supply chain and catch offenders.

“Both organisations have an agreement to combat the illicit drug trade by working together to identify people and packages of interest. We acknowledge the ongoing support of Hong Kong Customs in helping us to stop these harmful drugs from reaching our communities.

“In March, Hong Kong Customs officers arrested four drug couriers, in two separate incidents, who were on their way to New Zealand carrying up to NZ$7.2 million worth of methamphetamine. This is a great example of the results we’re seeing through cross-border efforts.”

Hong Kong Customs officers arrested two men after finding a total of 3.15 kg of methamphetamine hidden in their bags. One was carrying 1.5 kg in 30 small packs, and another had 1.65 kg in 33 packs hidden inside specially made vests. They arrested two young women five days later – each was carrying five large slabs of methamphetamine in their suitcase, adding to 4.1 kg in total.

Mr O’Brien says in each case Hong Kong Customs worked closely with our Customs officer based in Beijing to coordinate further investigations in New Zealand. This led to several arrests in New Zealand for millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine.

“We’ve also worked closely with our Hong Kong counterparts in the past year to help identify possible risk passengers transiting New Zealand to Hong Kong, so we’re also assisting to protect their border.”

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