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Int'l action disrupting drug smuggling chains: Kiwi Customs Minister

Xinhua, September 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

Authorities overseas have helped stop illegal drugs with the potential to cause harm worth hundreds of millions of dollars from entering New Zealand, Customs Minister Nicky Wagner said Tuesday.

"The offshore seizures were mainly of methamphetamine, at 190 million NZ dollars (139.14 million U.S. dollars) potential harm," Wagner said in a statement.

"However, the meth precursor ephedrine, cocaine, 'date rape drug' GBL, and 'angel dust' or PCP were also intercepted," she said.

"Over 204 million NZ dollars (149.39 million U.S. dollars) of potential social and economic harm to New Zealand was prevented from reaching New Zealand."

The New Zealand Customs service worked with Customs and law enforcement agencies around the world to identify drug smuggling activity and trends early to disrupt the supply chain.

"These seizures show international partnerships to disrupt and dismantle overseas syndicates involved in the export of meth and precursors, or any other drugs, are making a difference in tackling the flow of illicit drugs," said Wagner.

"Information gathered from offshore seizures is used to update Customs' information, so it can better target illicit drug smuggling at the New Zealand border."

In the 2015-2016 financial year, more than 875 million NZ dollars (640.79 million U.S. dollars) in potential harm was avoided by interceptions of illicit drugs at the border.

Combined with the estimated value of the potential harm prevented by seizures of drugs destined for New Zealand by offshore partners, more than 1 billion NZ dollars (732.33 million U.S. dollars) in potential social and economic harm had been avoided. Endit