Drug Interceptions

Drug interceptions by port, location, and year. Customs produces a wide range of information to keep you informed about our work.

Drugs and prescription medicines

Drug statistics may include substances suspected as being covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.

When a traveller arrives in New Zealand carrying prescription medicines (other than controlled drugs) they must ensure:

• they declare the possession of those medicines on their incoming passenger arrival card which is lawfully required, and inspected, by the New Zealand Customs Service; and
• they have a copy of the prescription from a doctor, or a letter from a doctor stating that they are being treated with the medicine(s); and
• they carry the medicine(s) in their original containers, and
• they have a quantity not exceeding three months supply of prescription medicines (with the exception of oral contraceptives which can be supplied in six month quantities).

If any of the above criteria is not met, then Customs detains the medicines and records them as a prohibited drug interception.