Two Fijians arrested in Tauranga for methamphetamine
Thursday, 21 November 2019, 11:04 am
Press Release: New Zealand Customs Service
21 November 2019
Customs has arrested two Fijian
nationals, who arrived in Tauranga on a commercial vessel
earlier this week, after locating at least 34 kilograms of
methamphetamine on board.
The arrested men, both in
their thirties, appeared in the Tauranga District Court on
Wednesday afternoon (20 November). They face charges for the
importation and possession of a class A controlled drug,
which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The 34 kilograms of methamphetamine seized is worth up to
NZ$17 million. Its seizure has prevented up to $42.1 million
of potential social harm to New Zealand communities.
The vessel arrived in Tauranga from Fiji on 18 November
and a subsequent search of the vessel located the
methamphetamine hidden in bags in various locations on board
the ship. Approximately FJ$16,000 found on board has also
been seized by Customs.
Customs Investigations Manager
Bruce Berry says this seizure is a reminder that Customs is
active in seaports across the country.
“This vessel
was identified as posing a potential risk before it arrived
in New Zealand, and the seizure is the result of some very
good work by Customs frontline officers in Tauranga - one of
the main shipping hubs into New Zealand.”
“Customs
conducts targeting and risk assessment for all seaports and
vessels, and we maintain a presence at the regional ports to
defeat and deter smuggling activities.”
If you have
suspicions about someone involved in drug smuggling, call
either 0800 4 CUSTOMS (0800 428 786) in confidence, or
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.
-ENDS-
© Scoop Media
Scoop Citizen Members and ScoopPro Organisations are the lifeblood of Scoop.
20 years of independent publishing is a milestone, but your support is essential to keep Scoop thriving. We are building on our offering with new In-depth Engaged Journalism platform - thedig.nz.
Find out more and join us:
Scoop Citizen Membership
ScoopPro for Organisations

PM's Statement: Deadly Eruption Of Whakaari / White Island
At this stage, we can confirm that amongst those currently listed as missing or injured are New Zealanders who were part of the tour operation, and tourists from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. That is to the best of our knowledge.
To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your unfathomable grief at this moment in time, and in your sorrow. Your loved ones stood alongside kiwis who were hosting you here. We grieve with you, and we grieve with them... More>>
Police Update: Two Further Fatalities
Two further people have died following the eruption on Whakaari / White Island, bringing the official toll to eight. One was being treated at Middlemore Hospital and one at Waikato Hospital. More>>
Gordon Campbell: On The Eruption And Tourism Safety
Adventure tourism is a central theme in New Zealand tourism, and by definition, adventure always includes a certain level of risk. That said, New Zealand itself is also at risk of being seen as a tourism destination where commercial factors – rather than safety factors – are routinely allowed to determine the point where the boundary line of acceptable risk is being drawn. More>>