25 May 2006

Acting Police Minister congratulates agencies on $135m drug bust

Acting Police Minister Rick Barker today congratulated the NZ Police and the NZ Customs Service for the biggest-ever interception of crystal methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine being shipped into this country.

"New Zealanders can feel very gratified that we have these two outstanding agencies working cooperatively, along with the Hong Kong Police, in order to intercept these criminal organisations and their illicit drug trade," he says.

"This an excellent example of international liaison and the good work being done within New Zealand, in order to protect our borders and our communities from the predations of these organised criminals."

Mr Barker says while the $135m bust is a record; it also represents a new low for organised crime in New Zealand.

"One chilling aspect is the fact that such a large volume of drugs was imported not for transit, but for domestic use."

Mr Barker says protecting communities from drugs needs a two-pronged attack.

"Our border agencies and police are doing their bit - individuals, families and communities need to also be doing their bit by collectively saying no to drugs."

ENDS

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