Customs has arrested a 43-year-old Masterton man after multiple mailed packages of methamphetamine were intercepted by frontline officers earlier this year.
In July, Customs officers intercepted 10 separate packages, totalling an estimated 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, sent to various addresses across New Zealand by mail and airfreight. The haul included concealments of the drug in a painting, and in roller-skate knee pads.
Customs say the amount of methamphetamine seized would have had an estimated street value of NZ$3 million.
Follow-up work linked the packages to the individual, and Customs investigators carried out two search warrants yesterday, with the support of Masterton Police, resulting in the arrest and the seizure of NZ$7,000 cash, 100 grams of methamphetamine, methamphetamine utensils and 12 established cannabis plants.
The man is scheduled to appear in the Masterton District Court today on a charge relating to the importation of a class A controlled drug, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Chief Customs Officer – Regional Investigations, Rachael Manning said high-frequency, low-volume smuggling is a common method used by transnational, serious and organised crime groups exploiting the rise in online shopping and freight volumes, using a ‘scattergun’ approach to smuggle illicit drugs.
“There is a high volume of legitimate parcels crossing our borders daily, but our frontline officers remain vigilant. Customs is well-aware of the different methods criminals use and places equal emphasis on all types of incoming packages, big and small, to seize illicit drugs at our border,” said Ms Manning.
While Customs is continuing intercepting increasingly large-scale drug smuggling attempts, it actively targets, intercepts and investigates smaller drug consignments sent through international mail and air freight, she said.
“Customs is also focussed on strengthening intelligence and investigations in the regions. We already work closely with Police to refer seizure information such as addresses for cases that warrant further activity at a district level. Together we are very motivated to catch offenders.”
Wairarapa Area Manager Investigations, Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Skoglund said the arrest was a great result for the community.
“Police, alongside our Customs colleagues, will continue to target organised criminal offending and drug distribution, which causes huge social harm to our people,” he says.
“The arrest of this individual will see a reduction in illicit substances on our streets, which will in turn help keep our community safer.”
Communities can also help stop the harm from methamphetamine. Suspicions about possible organisers or addresses being used for drug smuggling can be reported by calling 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) in confidence, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
