Policeman sent to Beijing to combat Asian crime

A police officer will be permanently stationed in Beijing in a move to halt the spread of organised Asian crime to New Zealand.

Inspector John Doyle, of Hornby police, has been appointed New Zealand's police liaison officer in China.

Police Association president Greg O'Connor told the Press the Beijing posting was vital in the fight against Asian criminal gangs.

"It is an absolutely essential posting. Asian organised crime in New Zealand is becoming very entrenched on the back of (methamphetamines) P and ice, and much of that product is sourced in mainland China," he said.

Asian criminals had links with New Zealand gangs, which distributed the drugs, he said.

Mr Doyle said yesterday that the role was about building relationships with Chinese law-enforcement officers as policing was increasingly taking on an international focus.

New Zealand and Australia have the largest numbers of amphetamine users per capita in the developed world, making New Zealand a prime target for Asian gangs.

Customs has seen a 10-fold increase in the amount of amphetamines seized at borders over the past year.

New Zealand Customs Service spokeswoman Mary Parker said it had placed a liaison officer in Beijing over a year ago, and the addition of a police liaison officer would enhance networks.

Mr Doyle will also liaise with police in the Pacific. Gangs used the area as a base for manufacturing, storing and transporting amphetamines.

New Zealand already has police liaison officers in Sydney, Canberra, Bangkok, Washington, London, Jakarta and Suva.

- NZPA