A quarter of a billion dollars of methamphetamine was seized by customs at the border in the past six months.
In a report released today, the Customs Service said that half a ton of meth products–up to $246 million worth in street value–was seized in the first half of 2015.
$7.5 million en route to New Zealand was also seized in Hong kong.
Customs said that more and more inventive ways of smuggling are being created by smugglers who are trying to move drugs in the country, like hiding them in toys or in their underwear.
“We do see trends of certain commodities..we might see filters one day and we might see machine parts the next, but certainly there are some very creative criminals out there,” said Border operations manager Shane Panettiere.
Customs said that they made 63 meth seizures adding up to 141 kg, and 189 seizures of precursors adding up to 369kg. “The result has been really fantastic for us,” said Panettiere.
“Customs is actively working with local and international agencies to target and stop drugs, disrupt and dismantle the international supply chains as well as identify and pursue all involved – wherever they may be,” he added.
Other drugs that were seized include cannabis and its products, ecstasy, and prescription medicines. One News reported that most of the high frequency and low quantity drugs were seized on cargo, as they may have bought online.
