Customs seizures pivotal in disrupting drug supply in New Zealand

As the world marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today, Customs continues to stop tonnes of illicit drugs from entering New Zealand, seizing more than 1,600 kilograms* of cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA so far this year. 

Customs preliminary data from January to end of May, released today, includes the three main illicit drug commodities weighing in at an estimated 976 kilograms of methamphetamine, 503 kilograms of cocaine, and 141 kilograms of MDMA or ecstasy, respectively. This does not include June figures, offshore seizures, or the hundreds of other border seizures regularly made by dedicated frontline Customs officers, involving drugs such as cannabis, psychedelics and opioids.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says organised criminal networks are driving the illicit drug trade, with devastating consequences for people and communities around the world. It says stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated action to address supply and demand, and to prevent organised criminal groups from exploiting vulnerabilities.

Customs Group Manager Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement, Terry Brown, says Customs plays a pivotal role in disrupting the supply of drugs, and is working more closely with partner agencies on understanding and helping to reduce demand, and protecting vulnerable communities.

“Recent wastewater testing in New Zealand has shown a significant increase in methamphetamine consumption in every region, and an increasing use of cocaine and MDMA. This remains a key concern and focus for Customs and our domestic partners, and we’re continuing our efforts to support curbing demand though our ongoing work with the multi-agency National Drug Intelligence Bureau.

“We’re continuing to work vigorously with domestic and international partners to target and stop bulk drug shipments through the maritime space as well as medium-scale shipments through airports and air cargo. But equally we’re looking at lower-volume offending, typically through international mail, and working with Police to combat offending.” 

Mr Brown says Customs knows that transnational organised crime groups will exploit any perceived gaps and vulnerabilities in the international supply chain, causing the need to continually anticipate, adapt and sharpen its capabilities to stay ahead of their tactics.

“An organised crime group is not going to stick to one method. They’re going to seek out opportunities to defeat our defences, which means Customs must remain a step ahead. This also means our focus on intelligence becomes a critical tool,” he says.

“This year, for example, our airport officers have stopped numerous attempts to get drugs past the air border, seizing more than 480 kilograms of illicit drugs via drug couriers and unaccompanied bags.”

Mr Brown adds that despite the dual focus of Customs in a busy international airport environment where officers are focused on enforcement and also facilitating legitimate travel, frontline officers are always in protection mode and alert to the measures used by criminals.

“Through our intelligence networks, partnerships with law enforcement and industry, and the commitment and skill of our staff, Customs will remain a key participant in helping to prevent harmful drugs from proliferating and causing harm to New Zealand communities.”

* Drug statistics (for 1 January to 31 May 2025) are preliminary. While this information is considered correct at the date it was extracted, it may be amended or reviewed at any time.