New Zealand organized crime countermeasures

New Zealand has initiated legislative and administrative measures to combat transnational, serious, and organised crime (TSOC).

In September 2026, the Customs and Excise (Border Security) Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament. Customs Minister Casey Costello noted that the bill responds to a changing threat environment, citing an increase in drug intercepts from 1.5 tonnes in 2018 to 6.5 tonnes in 2024. The proposed legislation seeks to increase penalties for serious offending, modernize digital border capabilities, and provide Customs with additional operational powers to address criminal cartels exploiting trade and travel systems.

Following this, the Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Chief Executive Board held its inaugural meeting in October 2026. Co-chaired by Customs Comptroller Christine Stevenson and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, the board is designed to improve governance and coordination across multiple government agencies. The initiative aims to address systemic issues such as money laundering, migrant exploitation, and the supply of drugs including methamphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis.