Picture caption: Drug identification participants are welcomed at the Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa Marae. Photo credit: Supplied.)
Frontline Customs officers and officials from 18 Pacific nations are undergoing training in Aotearoa New Zealand focused on illicit drug smuggling.
The week-long training is being co-hosted by the New Zealand Customs Service and Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO).
Following a welcome ceremony at the Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa Marae near Auckland Airport last week, the drug identification training has been conducted at Customs’ premises.
The training aims to provide participants with enhanced skillsets in detecting, identifying and handling drugs, as well as training on relevant legislation and further insight into Customs’ operational areas.
New Zealand Customs Director International Joe Cannon says the Pacific region is a known transit point for illicit drugs, driven by transnational organised crime groups and the rising demand and drug prices in New Zealand and Australia.
“We are pleased to be working with the Oceania Customs Organisation to support the capability development of our Pacific colleagues,” Joe says.
“Drug seizures at the New Zealand border show the volume of illegal drugs is increasing and criminals are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to smuggle harmful drugs into our communities for profit.
“Training opportunities such as this help customs agencies to share experiences and expertise to enhance our collective ability to stay one step ahead of transnational organised crime groups.
“By helping to protect each other’s borders, we are strengthening our own border too,” Joe adds.
Oceania Customs Organisation Head of Secretariat Nancy T Oraka says the Pacific market’s increasing demand has made the region a focal point for drug traffickers.
“The Pacific region with its sprawling archipelagos serves as a transhipment hub for organised criminal groups trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine,” Nancy explains.
“These illicit substances journey from the Americas, Europe and Asia, finding their way to lucrative markets in the Pacific Islands,” she said.
“I acknowledge New Zealand Customs Service and all our partners that have ensured this training is held.
“We are the first line of defence for our borders and it is our duty to protect our nations, our people, our children.”
Visit the New Zealand Customs Service website for more information.