Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton called on businesses to work with Customs to stop drug smuggling and other illegal activities today as he launched a new partnership programme called FrontLine.

"Customs is doing an excellent job stopping drugs and other contraband being smuggled into New Zealand, but local companies can help by keeping their eyes open and taking precautions to prevent their imports and exports being used for smuggling.

"The new partnership programme between Customs and business means Customs gets partners in protecting our borders while businesses get tailored deals that reduce red tape," said Jim Anderton.

The Frontline programme being launched today begins with three businesses signing partnership agreements with NZ Customs. They are NZ Yachts Ltd, TNT Express Worldwide (NZ) Ltd, and the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation (CBAFF). Each business has identified tangible changes to the Customs process that will allow for faster, more cost-effective importing and exporting. In return, these FrontLine businesses learn how to identify risk packages and activities, and rapidly pass on any suspicions to Customs. The partnership also extends to information sharing and operational support on both sides.

Other partner businesses will be signed on in the coming months.

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