Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, March 19, 2024
New Zealand Police and the New Zealand Customs Service are pleased to have supported United States law enforcement in preventing close to 200 kilograms of methamphetamine from reaching New Zealand and Australian borders.
In a significant win against transnational drug trafficking, a joint international task force, spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and comprised of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), has successfully thwarted a major drug smuggling operation targeting New Zealand and Australian borders.
Meticulous Planning
The collaborative effort involved meticulous planning and execution over 12 months, resulting in the interception of nearly 200 kilograms of methamphetamine destined for these countries and the subsequent arrest of five individuals in the United States.
“This result is an excellent example of the United States’ work to disrupt transnational crime cells, supported by New Zealand and Australian authorities,” stated Security and International Police Liaison Inspector Paul Newman.
Vital intelligence provided
The New Zealand Police and the New Zealand Customs Service played a crucial role in providing vital intelligence that bolstered the case against the alleged offenders, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in combating various illicit activities.
Inspector Newman emphasised the escalating demand for drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine in New Zealand and Australia, which has made these countries lucrative targets for drug trafficking organisations operating out of the United States.
To counter this growing threat, law enforcement agencies have intensified their collaborative efforts, sharing intelligence on criminal networks operating across borders and coordinating strategic interventions to disrupt their activities.
Multifaceted approach
Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams outlined New Zealand’s multifaceted approach to combatting illicit drug smuggling, which involves targeting both ends of the international supply chain.
By collaborating closely with international and domestic law enforcement partners, New Zealand aims to dismantle transnational crime cells operating within its borders while also preventing drugs from being exported to the country in the first place.
The success of these collaborative efforts is evidenced by the increasing number of drug seizures at the US border destined for New Zealand. US law enforcement agencies, particularly the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have been actively targeting drug exports heading towards countries like New Zealand since 2016.
Preventing significant harm
According to reports provided to New Zealand Customs, US authorities intercepted over 1100 kilograms of border-controlled drugs, including a substantial quantity of methamphetamine, bound for New Zealand in 2023 alone.
Inspector Newman highlighted the critical role of intelligence sharing in enabling law enforcement agencies to understand and effectively combat the evolving criminal landscape. He emphasised that the arrests and seizures resulting from these joint operations have not only disrupted organised crime but also prevented significant harm to communities and individuals affected by drug abuse.
Moving forward, New Zealand remains committed to collaborating with its international partners to hold those involved in drug trafficking accountable for their actions.
By leveraging collective resources and expertise, law enforcement agencies aim to safeguard communities and stem the flow of illicit drugs across borders, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global security challenges.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
