Customs destroy $50m of drugs in disposal operation

Drugs being mixed with putrid waste and destroyed. Photo / Supplied

Around $50 million worth of illegal drugs have been destroyed in a Customs drug disposal operation yesterday.

Around 400 kilograms of drugs, which had been seized over a period of time, were all destroyed at an undisclosed location in the Auckland region yesterday.

Some of the drugs destroyed included methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, white powder psychoactive substances, and synthetic cannabinoids.

Drug abuse and illicit trafficking were global problems, Customs manager of investigations Maurice O'Brien, said.

Customs was helping to stem illicit trade by interrupting the supply chain in New Zealand, and working with overseas enforcement agencies, Mr O'Brien said.

"The vigilance and expertise of our people, and collaboration with other border agencies, both here and abroad, are paying great dividends."

Criminal networks had become more and more sophisticated in their efforts to conceal prohibited substances, Mr O'Brien said.

"Recent examples are shoes, a mini laptop desk, pillows, the lining of jackets, ornaments and statues, cosmetic bottles, tea bag sachets, and a toy trumpet.

"The illicit drug market, like any other, is driven by demand and supply. The demand will continue to see criminal networks attempting to smuggle drugs across New Zealand's border and that is the challenge we are responding to."