Customs plans to use coastal watch

Press, 4 April 1989, Page 4

Customs plans to use coastal watch

PA Wellington The Customs Department says it will use the Neighbourhood Watch principle to boost its chances of foiling drug smugglers using small boats or aircraft.

The public will be encouraged to watch for suspicious boats and planes in some coastal areas.

The department wants to boost community vigilance and awareness of its need for information, and intends mounting a publicity campaign later this year.

“We want to focus public attention on small craft and aircraft activity in high risk remote areas, particularly in the northern half of- the North Island, and prevent the possibility of clandestine meetings between local craft and overseas vessels,” said the general manager of border operations, Mr Ron McGrath. The northern half of the North Island was

visited by most of the 630 yachts that visited New Zealand last year. The department wants to build community awareness before the yachting season starts in October-December.

Increasing public cooperation would also boost community awareness of the department’s role in border protection and its detection of illegal drugs. The department is making its Auckland office the national centre for such information, with plans for a toll-free telephone number to receive confidential calls from coast watchers. Local customs officers would continue to receive such calls in the meantime.

Increased public information would augment the department’s network of coastal watchers, established in 1982, and increase the effectiveness of regular patrols of its own Auckland and Tau-ranga-based boats. The department is also

involved in Project Cook, a reporting network through which all Pacific nations log movements of small craft throughout the region.

The department is strengthening its enforcement links with airlines, shipping companies, port authorities, and others involved in cargo and passenger travel.

Memoranda of understanding are being drawn up with these companies, after an initiative from customs world body, the Customs Co-operation Council.

Formal agreements were recommended by a big customs conference on drugs held in Wellington last year.

Mr McGrath said the aid of the community in guarding New Zealand’s extended coastline was vital as a second line of defence.

He said the department was looking for a sponsor to help pay the campaign’s costs.