55466 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs

Written Question

Published date: 12 Dec 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	55466 (2025)
Question asked:	26 Nov 2025
Member asking:	Hon Jenny Salesa
Portfolio:	Minister of Customs
Minister replying:	Hon Casey Costello
Answer received:	04 Dec 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_55466_2025
Document guid:	1587e6ab-9312-4851-b457-f93255a1f07a

55466 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs: How many illicit-tobacco importation investigations have been undertaken in the last year if any, and what outcomes have been achieved?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that the New Zealand Customs Service has undertaken seven investigations involving the importation of illicit tobacco between 27 November 2024 and 27 November 2025. These investigations resulted in 15 people being charged with offences against the Customs and Excise Act 2018. Some of those people have also been charged with other offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and the Crimes Act 1961. The cumulative quantity of revenue evasion attributed to the 15 people charged is NZ$15,326,372.