KEY POINTS:
A Chinese-made cold and flu capsule containing high quantities of pseudoephedrine is causing a headache for Customs officials battling methamphetamine, or P.
While New Zealand is not unique in its methamphetamine problem, it has certain "wrinkles" that are distinct from other countries, the latest issue of the New Zealand Customs Service magazine Contraband says.
"The primary difference is Contac NT - a brand of cold and flu capsule manufactured in China - which contains a higher quantity of pseudoephedrine compared to other over-the-counter products ... These are highly sought after by New Zealand's methamphetamine cooks."
Pseudoephedrine is used as a precursor substance in the manufacture of P.
Customs staff said New Zealand appeared to be unique in the size of its Contac NT problem.
Contac NT is not an approved medicine for import into New Zealand. The capsules contain small coloured granules - not much bigger than a poppy seed - that are easy to conceal.
Customs national targeting centre operations manager Robert Kinbie said passengers came through airports with the capsules in their bags or strapped to their bodies.
"In the goods environment, we have seen Contac NT hidden in just about every conceivable item: from sofas and household appliances to bicycle frames, from batteries to slabs of granite."
Late last year police and Customs officers seized more than 150kg of methamphetamine and Contac NT with an estimated street value of more than $50 million.
- NZPA
