Straddle carriers and containers on Fergusson Wharf at Ports of Auckland. Photo: Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye/ 123RF
The Port of Auckland is working with customs and Maritime New Zealand to crack down on methamphetamine from crossing the border.
The government has announced a plan to tackle meth harm, including efforts to strengthen border security and shut down opportunities for organised criminals to operate through the ports.
Port of Auckland chief executive Roger Gray told Morning Report that their role was to ensure customs could inspect cargo before it entered the community.
He said the biggest threat they faced would be staff working with criminals to try and bypass that process.
"The biggest threat we face is insider threat, someone working with the gangs or trans-national organised crime to get stuff out," Gray said.
"We are always watching, and one of the most important things we do is educate our staff to keep an eye out for each other and if they see anything suspicious to report it."
He said the port did background checks and provided information to customs and police about staff if requested.
"We pay our staff well and provide them with good careers. One of the things that stops temptation is the concern that they will lose their job and go to jail."
It comes after a drastic rise in consumption of methamphetamine last year.
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