Customs urges cruise passengers, coastal communities to report drug activity

Customs seized 45kg of cocaine in Tauranga on December 4. Photo / Supplied

Customs is ramping up maritime security this summer as drug smugglers target New Zealand’s coastline.

With more than 15,000m of coastline and an expected 550 to 600 international small craft arrivals this season, Customs will maintain maritime surveillance and patrols throughout summer.

Officers are also preparing to welcome around 180,000 cruise passengers visiting New Zealand shores this season.

In 2024/2025, Customs seized more than 2.8 tonnes and 787 litres of illicit drugs and prohibited goods, such as tobacco, weapons and controlled substances at the maritime border. Cocaine and methamphetamine made up 1.5 tonnes of the total.

Cocaine with a street value of nearly $16 million was seized from a container at the Port of Tauranga on December 4.

Customs officers discovered 45kg of the Class A drug in 1kg bricks branded with markings including Volvo, Porsche and a hamster wearing a crown.

Customs said the container originated in Houston in the United States, transited through Balboa, Panama before arriving in Tauranga.

Maritime manager Robert Smith said summer was a busy time for Customs, and vigilance by everyone could help to detect and deter criminal activity along our coastlines.

Thirty five kilograms of Lacoste-branded cocaine was seized in Dunedin on October 26. Photo / Supplied

“Transnational organised crime groups use various tactics to smuggle drugs and other illicit goods, and you can help protect our communities by knowing what to look out for.”

For boaties, Smith said “you know what normal looks like”.

“Anything that strikes you as unusual or inconsistent with your maritime experience is of interest to us.”

He said along remote coastlines, people should watch for vessels meeting at sea, landing in unusual locations, operating at night without lights, or transferring items between boats.

“On cruise ships, be alert to people making multiple trips ashore in one day, wearing bulky or out-of-place clothing that may hide packages, or carrying large bags without disembarking permanently.

“In coastal communities, suspicious activity could include vehicles in isolated areas acting rushed or secretive, operating without lights at night, unaccompanied packages in unusual locations, or people concealing their identity.”

Smith said every observation counts.

“If it’s odd or suspicious to you, report it to us.”

Report suspicious behaviour confidentially to 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768).

Information on what to look out for and how to report information safely and confidentially is available on Customs’ website, customs.govt.nz/report