Key Takeaways:
- Two seizures of cocaine worth $11.5 million were found in refrigerated containers on board a vessel at the Port of Tauranga.
- Between January 1, 2022, and December 11, cocaine seizures at the Port of Tauranga totalled just over 1698 kg, with an estimated street value of $655.6 million.
- Since January 1, 2022, 1023kg of methamphetamine (valued at $306m) had also been seized.
- Transnational and organised crime groups are escalating their efforts to smuggle larger amounts of drugs through New Zealand’s sea borders.
- The Sinaloa Cartel, the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, and Sam Gor are three transnational drug cartels that regularly target New Zealand.
Introduction to the Problem
The Port of Tauranga has been a major target for transnational and organised crime groups seeking to smuggle large amounts of drugs into New Zealand. Recently, two seizures of cocaine worth $11.5 million were found in refrigerated containers on board a vessel at the port. This is just a small part of the larger problem, as between January 1, 2022, and December 11, cocaine seizures at the Port of Tauranga totalled just over 1698 kg, with an estimated street value of $655.6 million. Additionally, since January 1, 2022, 1023kg of methamphetamine (valued at $306m) had also been seized.
The Role of Transnational Crime Groups
According to NZ Customs investigation manager Dominic Adams, transnational and organised crime groups are escalating their efforts to smuggle larger amounts of drugs through New Zealand’s sea borders, including the Port of Tauranga. Adams stated that the port is on the radar of drug smugglers, and a lot of the cargo that arrives in New Zealand comes from South America. The Sinaloa Cartel, the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, and Sam Gor are three transnational drug cartels that regularly target New Zealand. These cartels know that New Zealand is a lucrative market, with a kilo of meth selling for between $100,000 to $150,000 in profit for each kilo sold wholesale.
The Smuggling Process
The smuggling process requires a high level of connection and sophistication, particularly when it comes to container ships arriving at the Port of Tauranga. Adams noted that what comes through the Tauranga port requires a "different level of connection and sophistication" than drugs sent through the mail or hidden in passengers’ bags at airports. The cartels often target individuals who work in the industry’s supply chain, corrupting them and using them to smuggle large amounts of drugs into the country. These individuals often think they are "going to make a quick buck" but end up being held responsible for the import of hundreds of kilos of drugs.
New Zealand’s Response
To combat the growing problem of drug smuggling, NZ Customs is working closely with local and international partners. Adams stated that NZ Customs has a network of liaison officers across the world, including in Los Angeles and Washington, and their focus is very much on what is happening in South and Central America. They liaise with agencies such as the US Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations group, as well as police and Customs forces in Panama, South America, Canada, and Asia. Last year alone, their partners intercepted about 1.4 tonnes of drugs offshore on behalf of New Zealand, destined for the country.
The Importance of Collaboration
The threat posed to Tauranga’s maritime border is persistent and increasing, and it will take a network of people to defeat a network of organised criminals. Adams emphasized that NZ Customs cannot do it alone and relies on the support of its partners, including the police. Detective Inspector Albie Alexander stated that police will continue to support their partners in identifying and investigating transnational organised crime groups who continue to target New Zealand as a lucrative market. The police are committed to disrupting and dismantling organised crime networks and work closely with their partners to identify these networks.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The problem of drug smuggling at the Port of Tauranga is a complex and ongoing issue that requires a collaborative effort to combat. NZ Customs and its partners are working tirelessly to identify and investigate transnational organised crime groups, but they need the support of the public. If anyone is approached or has suspicions about drug smuggling, they can report it confidentially by phoning 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 7680) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. By working together, we can help to disrupt and dismantle organised crime networks and keep our communities safe.