KEY POINTS:
Customs officials have intercepted $150,000 worth of counterfeit stamps sent from Asia.
The stamps were intercepted at the Auckland International Mailing Centre last week.
It's the first time Customs has intercepted counterfeit stamps.
The stamps arrived in three packets, which contained 25,000 stamps each. They had face values of $1.50 and $3 - totalling $150,000.
The stamps came from Asia and were destined for an Auckland address, Customs investigations acting group manager Bill Perry said yesterday. "This is the first time we've intercepted counterfeit stamps and it's a good example that counterfeiting knows no bounds and affects everything that's manufactured and has a commercial value."
Mr Perry said an officer screening mail became suspicious when he saw the package.
"The stamps had a subtle colour variation so our officers were able to work out they weren't legitimate."
New Zealand Post spokesman Richard MacLean said the seizure served as a timely warning that stamps should be purchased only from PostShops or other reputable retailers.
Police said they were taking the counterfeiting seriously because of the size of the batch of forged stamps.
A man appeared in the Auckland District Court last week charged with obtaining a document for pecuniary advantage. He was remanded in custody to February 14.
Anyone with information relating to the case is asked to contact the Asian crime unit on (09) 259-0756.
