Customs investigations manager Dominic Adams said young people were increasingly being wooed on social media by organised crime syndicates to do their dirty work, describing the growing prevalence as “an active and dangerous development”.
With such groups actively recruiting online, Adams urged young Kiwis and their families to be mindful of the risk and watch out for red flags.
Six Kiwis in their 20s have been arrested and charged with collectively importing 93kg of meth from Malaysia in suitcases after a Customs investigation. Photo / Customs
“Criminal groups are using social media to entice our young people into high-risk illegal activities, with the promise of overseas travel, cash and an Insta-worthy lifestyle,” Adams said.
“But be warned about offers that are too good to be true – they come with strings attached and lifetime consequences.”
Operation Trammel has resulted in 22 arrests and 31 search warrants since January, when five individuals were arrested.
In April, 11 people were arrested after Customs executed search warrants across Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland in relation to the operation.
They were aged between 19 and 31 and alleged to have worked as couriers, recruiters and organisers for a locally run syndicate, with Customs alleging 252kg of methamphetamine had been smuggled into New Zealand, mainly in passenger luggage, on return trips from Malaysia.
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