Customs detain drug-smugglers at plush Auckland hotels

Customs and police are holding suspected drug traffickers for up to 10 days at a time in the same five-star Auckland hotel that hosted Mick Jagger and Tony Blair.

The Customs Service has admitted using hotels in Auckland and Christchurch to detain people believed to be carrying drugs internally - for instance, by swallowing a condom filled with cocaine.

Customs has refused to identify which hotels were used, citing security reasons, but the Herald On Sunday understands one of them is Auckland's Langham Hotel, where rooms start at $585 a night.

The agency said costs associated with holding suspects there had to be weighed against "the devastating social impact" of imported drugs.

Customs investigations manager Paul Campbell said Customs used hotels rather than police cells because the detainee had to be considered innocent while any evidence could be recovered.

The facilities had to be secure and had to offer the necessary services - such as an en-suite toilet for when the suspect passes the evidence - around the clock.

Proximity to a hospital was also "crucial" because carrying drugs internally was physically dangerous. The proposed accommodation had to be approved by a judge.

Detainees were kept under guard, and a court-appointed doctor and lawyer were present. Meals were brought in from outside.

The police refused to comment on the practice of keeping detainees in hotels. A spokesman said it was a matter for Customs as "lead agency".

The Langham, on Auckland's Symonds St, is very close to Auckland City Hospital. The Herald On Sunday understands multiple rooms are booked each time to accommodate the security, medical and legal staff, as well as the suspect.

Mr Campbell said Customs paid a discount government rate, but could not supply the exact costs.

Customs was reviewing which accommodation it used and was "exploring options" that might be available through healthcare providers.

Cheaper accommodation close to Auckland City Hospital includes the Domain Lodge on Boyle Cres, where rooms range from $100-160 a night.

Legally, Customs has the power to detain people entering the country if they are believed to be carrying class A or B drugs internally. In the 2004-5 financial year, Customs detained three people in hotel rooms - two in Auckland and one in Christchurch. Cocaine worth $1.19 million was recovered, with the amounts in each case varying from 70 grams to 790 grams. Each of the three detainees were convicted and jailed for six years.

The Langham Hotel

Rates range from $585 for the superior room to $2300 for the royal suite. Facilities include an outdoor heated pool, spa bath, a full gymnasium and round-the-clock room service. Famous guests include Prince Charles, Mick Jagger and Tony Blair. Part of an international chain, with hotels in London, Hong Kong and Melbourne. Formerly the Sheraton, it was renamed the Langham on January 1.