28800 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs

28800 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs: What additional support has the Government provided to Pacific Island nations to combat their exploitation as drug transit points, if any?

Hon Casey Costello: As Minister of Customs, I can only comment for the agencies for which I am responsible, being the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) and the Border Executive Board. I am advised that Customs provides support through training and capability programmes to Pacific Island Customs authorities, as part of their regular programme of work. In addition, Customs has recently established a Joint Working Group with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service to review and strengthen Fiji Customs’ capability to detect, deter and disrupt transnational, serious and organised criminal activity within its operational domain, particularly in relation to illicit narcotics.