Customs arrest Hamilton locals for importing psychoactive drugs

Three Hamilton locals were arrested yesterday as a result of Customs’ focus on psychoactive substances being intercepted through the mail.

Two men, aged 35 and 27, and a 24 year old woman appeared in the Hamilton District Court yesterday on charges relating to multiple importations of psychoactive substances intercepted at the Auckland International Mail Centre in the last 12 months. They will reappear in court on 23 April.

Customs Acting Group Manager Investigations and Response, Shane Panettiere, says there has been an exponential increase in psychoactive substances being intercepted at the border in the last few years.

“While psychoactive substances coming in through mail are small in volume, they are high in frequency, and multiple imports are being connected to the same individuals.”

“The rise in psychoactive substances at the border is a growing concern for Customs. We are placing high priority on investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in these importations.

Thirteen Customs officers, with the assistance of Hamilton Police, were part of yesterday’s operation, which resulted in the arrests and the recovery of a small amount of white powder from one residence.

These powders are generally pressed into tablet form and sold in the illicit market as ecstasy.

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