Christchurch, New Zealand – New Zealand Customs Service is bolstering its border protection efforts as it confronts escalating threats from organized crime and a surge in illicit drug trafficking. A recent deep dive into the agency’s operations reveals a complex, multi-layered system designed to safeguard the country’s borders, collect substantial revenue, and facilitate legitimate trade. The scale of the operation is significant, with $285 million in funding allocated through the Crown, border-processing levies, and goods fees, and a staggering $17.8 billion collected on behalf of the Crown in revenue during the last fiscal year.
The increased focus on border security comes as New Zealand faces growing challenges from transnational criminal organizations targeting the country’s lucrative illicit drug market. According to data from the 2024/25 year, Customs processed 13.4 million arriving and departing passengers, with approximately 2 percent – 132,943 individuals – selected for further risk assessment. Of those, 10,662 travellers underwent baggage searches.
While the public often associates Customs with scenes reminiscent of reality television shows like Border Patrol, the agency’s work extends far beyond passenger inspections. “There is a whole lot of work aside from inspections,” explains a supervising officer, Karyn, a veteran of the service with stints dating back to 1978. “There are other areas, investigations, intelligence, trade, service and delivery – all these things have to be cleared.” This administrative complexity is underscored by the agency’s broad responsibilities, including risk assessment, clearing and processing goods, and collecting tax revenue.
The threat landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. Seizures of methamphetamine have increased exponentially. In 2014, Customs seized 55kg of methamphetamine for the entire year. Last year, they stopped, on average, 90kg of meth every week. Over the past two years, Customs and its international partners have intercepted nearly 8.5 tonnes of methamphetamine destined for New Zealand. Recent notable seizures include 150kg of cocaine arriving in a shipment from Jamaica, 130kg of cocaine concealed within machinery shipped from Italy via Panama, 100kg of methamphetamine hidden in a fertilizer shipment from Peru, and a massive 450kg methamphetamine haul concealed within steel beams imported from the US in September 2024.
The surge in drug trafficking is linked to New Zealand’s high prices and strong demand for illicit substances, particularly methamphetamine and cocaine. Organized crime groups are increasingly targeting the country’s supply chains, attempting to infiltrate ports and airports to bypass security measures. A recent police operation in late November 2025 resulted in nearly 200 criminal charges against gang associates allegedly involved in smuggling drugs aboard international flights, highlighting the growing sophistication of these criminal networks.
Customs’ response is multifaceted, relying on a combination of technology, intelligence gathering, and international cooperation. Detector dogs play a crucial role, with five dog handlers operating in the South Island, deployed based on risk assessments. Overseas liaison officers stationed in cities like London, Bangkok, and Beijing provide critical intelligence, often intercepting shipments before they reach New Zealand’s shores. “Quite often, a lot of it is stopped before it comes here,” one officer noted.
The agency’s annual report highlights the importance of collaboration with other agencies, including police and the Ministry for Primary Industries. Customs officers work closely with these partners to share information and coordinate enforcement efforts. The report also emphasizes the need for community engagement, with officers encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity.
Budget 2025 includes a significant funding boost for Customs, totaling $35 million over four years. This includes $21 million in operating expenditure, $5.5 million in capital funding, and an additional $8.2 million from third-party levies and fees. Customs Minister Casey Costello stated that the funding will be used to increase staffing levels and enhance the agency’s technological capabilities.
Beyond drug interdiction, Customs also plays a vital role in preventing the import of illicit tobacco (9 tonnes intercepted, representing $17.7 million in foregone revenue) and combating online child exploitation (973 reports responded to, resulting in 18 arrests). The agency processes 31.8 million import transactions and four million export transactions annually, clearing 98.1 percent of goods within five minutes based on risk assessment. Just over 8 percent of risk-based baggage searches result in the identification of prohibited or restricted items.
Long-serving Customs officer Neville Brown, who joined the agency in 1975, reflects on the evolution of border security. He recalls a time when Customs operations were far more rudimentary, with officers responding to flights on an ad-hoc basis. “There’s no heroin anymore, it’s now meth and cocaine by the kilos,” he observed, highlighting the changing nature of the threats faced by the agency. Despite the challenges, Brown remains committed to his work, emphasizing the variety and the opportunity to contribute to the safety and security of New Zealand.
As New Zealand heads into the busy summer travel season, Customs is preparing for increased volumes of passengers and goods. Officers are urging travellers to be aware of the risks and to cooperate with authorities. The agency’s ongoing efforts to protect the border are critical to safeguarding the country’s economic prosperity and protecting its communities from the harms of illicit trafficking.
