29122 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs

29122 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs: How many interceptions in 2024 involving packages linked to darknet markets, encrypted messaging apps or social media platforms were either led by or involved NZ Customs staff?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that, for the period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024, the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) Investigations Unit instigated 106 investigations against the importation of controlled drugs and other prohibited or restricted goods. Customs does not record the instances in which encrypted applications are encountered or social media platforms are used. However, commonly used encrypted applications such as ‘WhatsApp’ are routinely used by offenders to securely communicate with each other and across the illicit supply chain. Darknet markets are known to be common platforms for users to order smaller quantities of controlled drugs and other illicit goods for personal use, or low scale distribution. The information sharing agreements that Customs has in place with the New Zealand Police aim to address this scale of offending through appropriate education and enforcement outcomes (e.g. imprisonment).