New Zealand introduces Border Security Bill to combat organized crime

Customs Minister Casey Costello introduced the Customs and Excise (Border Security) Amendment Bill to parliament. The legislation aims to strengthen Customs' ability to combat transnational, serious, and organized crime groups targeting New Zealand's borders. The Bill includes measures to strengthen security requirements in Customs-controlled areas and export storage facilities, and introduces additional operational powers and enforcement tools for Customs.

The introduction of the Bill responds to a massive increase in illicit drugs seized, which quadrupled from 1.5 to 6.5 tonnes between 2018 and 2024. The measures seek to address organized crime groups exploiting legitimate trade and travel systems, as well as the growing trade in child exploitation material.