Customs kept on alert

Press, 23 January 1988, Page 37

Customs kept on alert

PA Wellington Seizures of drugs and counterfeit foreign currency demonstrated the vigilance of customs officers, says the Minister of Customs, Mr de Cleene.

Since mid-December officers seized heroin, opium, cocaine and counterfeit American currency, he said.

“With these latest finds involving shipping, the airport and the mail, it is apparent that certain members of society are intent on using every possible means to flout the laws,” Mr de Cleene said. But people intent on beating the system could be assured that these latest seizings were not isolated instances. They reflected the ability of customs officers to concentrate their profiling skills

on the small but serious element of illegal trade, whether in drugs or other goods prohibited by legislation, he said. The department would continue to direct its attention towards passengers, cargoes and vessels which have originated in drug risk areas. A- high emphasis would also continue to be placed on the gathering of intelligence information and liaison with overseas agencies.

Mr de Cleene said that 1988 would see the introduction of the CAPPS automated alert system at international airports, and the introduction of a new passenger processing system at Christchurch and Wellington, similar to that introduced at Auckland Airport late last year.