Pubdate: Sat, 24 May 2003
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2003 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.press.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/349
Author: New Zealand Press Association

CUSTOMS SUSPECT BOAT USED TO FERRY COCAINE TO NZ

Customs officers say cocaine sold to undercover police in Northland could 
have been delivered by boat.

Customs officer Simon Williamson said Northland's coastline was an 
attractive off-loading point for international drug smugglers and 
considered a high risk area by customs officials. However, the drug seized 
in Northland's largest cocaine bust may have reached New Zealand shores via 
a courier.

During an eight-week operation , an undercover police officer bought 84g of 
pure cocaine in Northland with a street value of more than $250,000. The 
officer also bought 200 ecstasy tablets and 1g of methamphetamine.

Mr Williamson said the high number of international boats docking in the 
Bay of Islands made it susceptable to the illegal drug trade.

In February 2000 police seized an abandoned yacht near Russell which was 
believed to have been used by Colombian drug runners.

Bora Bora 2 was thought to have been involved in a cocaine transfer in 
Northland waters with another yacht, Ngaire Wha.
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