Airport screening lab to perform on the spot drug tests

Border control at Auckland International Airport. Photo / Doug Sherring

A new screening lab at Auckland Airport will allow staff to test possible illicit substances on the spot.

The forward screening lab - a partnership between Customs and forensic science provider ESR - was opened today.

It will be operated by ESR staff to give Customs faster access to preliminary analyses of material or substance of interest.

Comptroller Carolyn Tremain said Customs was committed to using science and technology to strengthen its efforts to disrupt the illicit drug supply chain.

"The new screening lab brings significant efficiencies to Customs' work, and I am confident that having this lab located at the border will benefit both agencies and New Zealand."

ESR chief executive Keith McLea said the lab was perfect example of how ESR's science was behind the great work of the staff who protect the borders.

"ESR and Customs work closely on a number of initiatives and I'm sure the outstanding cooperation shown between the two agencies on this project will only strengthen our relationship," Dr McLea said.

"ESR can now capture frontline intelligence from this facility so it will help us understand and strengthen our response to new threats, as well as giving us an ideal opportunity to test new equipment, methodologies and operating models."