28814 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs

28814 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs: How many border workers (including baggage handlers, freight workers, and logistics staff) have been arrested, charged, or disciplined due to suspected involvement in drug smuggling since 2020?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised by the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) that 47 baggage handlers, freight workers, and logistics staff have been charged for their involvement in drug smuggling between 1 January 2020 and 5 June 2025. This includes those workers arrested in joint Customs and New Zealand Police investigations. Data is not held by Customs on whether staff outside of the agency were subsequently disciplined by their employers, so I am unable to respond to that part of the Member’s question.