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Wellington, December 21, 2017
It will not be a white Christmas in Northland after Customs officers foiled a 26-year-old French national’s plans when they seized 24 kgs of Cocaine in Paihia yesterday.
The man, who appeared in the Whangarei District Court today was arrested after an extensive investigation by Customs which began in early December.
The cocaine seizure is one of the largest in New Zealand, with a street value estimated to be between $6.8 and $10.8 million.
Coordinated effort
Customs Investigations Manager Bruce Berry said that the arrest is a testament to the work carried out by Customs that includes profiling using advance information and working with police and other agencies domestically and internationally, such as the Australian Border Force.
“In this instance, we have seen the difference that an integrated approach can make in how we are responding to the risk across all our borders. It is also a testament to the tenacity of Customs officers, including our response and intelligence units and frontline staff whose hard work has produced a great result,” Mr Berry said.
He acknowledged the partnership and collaboration with police, whose assistance has played a part in the success of this operation.
Crime Syndicates active
“We know that organised crime syndicates are attempting to subvert and undermine our border processes at every opportunity, and results like this highlight the importance of the work that goes into profiling to identify risk at the border. This is an example of trans-national crime syndicates attempting to use new routes to import drugs. Customs is aware of this – it does not matter if it is a cruise ship, a plane or container, we look for risk everywhere,” Mr Barry said.
“Yesterday’s seizure and arrest is a good example of partner agencies working together to disrupt transnational organised crime groups who are attempting to profit from a drug that would cause significant harm in our communities.
Halting harmful drugs
Police will continue to work with Customs and international partners to actively target those who choose to bring harmful drugs into New Zealand, so that we can seize it before it gets into our community,” Field Crime Manager, Criminal Investigations, Northland Police Detective Inspector Dene Begbie said.
The man is charged with possession for supply of a class A drug, and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Further charges are likely.
Ministers congratulate
Police Minister Stuart Nash and Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri said that strong collaboration between Customs and Police led to the seizure.
Ms Whaitiri congratulated the officers involved in the investigation and said they had contributed significantly to a reduction in harm to New Zealanders.
“We do not want these illicit drugs in our country. This is great work and a fine example of Government agencies working together to protect our communities and keep them safe. We hope this sends a strong message to those seeking to traffic drugs – New Zealand border and law enforcement partners are working together to catch you, and not just at airports,” she said.
Harmful drug abuse
Mr Nash said that identifying and targeting drug carriers was a big priority for both agencies.
“Drug abuse is the cause of too much harm in our communities, whether it’s the health side effects from those abusing drugs or crimes that people commit when they are looking for ways to fund their habit. This operation is a great example of Police’s operating model ‘Prevention First’ where they work with partner agencies to prevent crime from occurring. These illicit drugs are destructive and have no place in our communities. We know they cause devastating social and financial harm and they lead to increased crime,” he said.
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