Customs urges public to help protect New Zealand’s border this summer

With over 15,000 kilometres of coastline and an expected 550–600 international small craft arrivals this season, Customs will maintain maritime surveillance and patrols throughout summer. Officers are also preparing to welcome around 180,000 cruise passengers visiting our shores this season.

In 2024/2025, Customs seized more than 2.8 tonnes and 787 litres of illicit drugs and prohibited goods, such as tobacco, weapons and controlled substances at the maritime border, with cocaine and methamphetamine making up 1.5 tonnes of the total.

Manager Maritime, Robert Smith, says summer is a busy time for Customs, and vigilance by everyone can help to detect and deter criminal activity along our coastlines.

“Transnational organised crime groups use various tactics to smuggle drugs and other illicit goods, and you can help protect our communities by knowing what to look out for.
“For boaties, you know what normal looks like. Anything that strikes you as unusual or inconsistent with your maritime experience is of interest to us.

“Along remote coastlines, watch for vessels meeting at sea, landing in unusual locations, operating at night without lights, or transferring items between boats.

“On cruise ships, be alert to people making multiple trips ashore in one day, wearing bulky or out-of-place clothing that may hide packages, or carrying large bags without disembarking permanently.

“In our coastal communities, suspicious activity could include vehicles in isolated areas acting rushed or secretive, operating without lights at night, unaccompanied packages in unusual locations, or people concealing their identity.

“Every observation counts. If it’s odd or suspicious to you, report it to us,” says Mr Smith.

Report suspicious behaviour confidentially to 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768). For more information on what to look out for and how to report the information safely and confidentially is available on our website customs.govt.nz/report