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The second largest methamphetamine border seizure in New Zealand’s history means a very large quantity of harmful drugs will not make it to New Zealand streets these holidays, says Customs Minister Nicky Wagner.

On 5 December, Customs intercepted approximately 22.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, worth over $22 million. The drugs were hidden in the cargo of an international flight that arrived in Auckland from Taiwan. A joint Customs and Police operation codenamed Operation Georgie was launched.

The more than 800kg of tobacco and cigarettes left at the border since 1 November is a further step towards reducing the damage caused by smoking, say Customs Minister Nicky Wagner and Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner announced today that SmartGate is now open to Canadian ePassport holders.

“This automated passenger processing technology has gone from strength to strength since it was introduced in 2009 and it’s great to now open it to Canadian visitors,” Ms Wagner said.

“About 75,000 passengers are now using the technology on arrival and departure each week, and Customs welcomed the ten millionth SmartGate user at Auckland International Airport in September.

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner today congratulated the Customs Service for their role in the interception of a shipment of liquid methamphetamine.

Approximately 3.5 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine with a street value of around $1 million was intercepted and two people arrested following a joint Police and Customs operation, codenamed Operation Gravity.

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says the warmer months bring international yachts to New Zealand shores, and Customs is prepared for a big season ahead.

“The yacht arrival season has started and it’s wonderful that every year more than 600 yachts from around the world arrive here to make the most of our beautiful country and Kiwi hospitality,” Ms Wagner said.

“As the first port of call, Customs takes great pride in welcoming visitors to our shores and ensuring their first impression of New Zealand is a friendly one.

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner congratulates the twenty seven new Customs officers who are graduating in Auckland today, in time to boost border security at Auckland Airport for the busy summer season.

“These Customs officers will start their career at the busiest time of the year in the busiest place at the border. Their role is a unique and crucial one – both protecting and promoting New Zealand,” Ms Wagner said.

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says from early next year traders will be able to register directly with the Joint Border Management System (JBMS) to manage their own information online in real time.

“The Trade Single Window component of JBMS allows traders to submit shipment details electronically to a single point of contact, instead of dealing with multiple government agencies,” Ms Wagner said.

Customs officers at the border will be enforcing new duty free limits for tobacco products from today.
 
Travellers will now have to pay GST and duty if they bring in more than 50 cigarettes, down from 200, or 50 grams of cigars or roll your own tobacco.  The gift concession for tobacco has also been removed.