CUSTOMS SUSPECT BOAT USED TO FERRY COCAINE TO NZ

Customs officers say cocaine sold to undercover police in Northland could
have been delivered by boat.

Customs officer Simon Williamson said Northland's coastline was an
attractive off-loading point for international drug smugglers and
considered a high risk area by customs officials. However, the drug seized
in Northland's largest cocaine bust may have reached New Zealand shores via
a courier.

During an eight-week operation , an undercover police officer bought 84g of
pure cocaine in Northland with a street value of more than $250,000. The
officer also bought 200 ecstasy tablets and 1g of methamphetamine.

Mr Williamson said the high number of international boats docking in the
Bay of Islands made it susceptable to the illegal drug trade.

In February 2000 police seized an abandoned yacht near Russell which was
believed to have been used by Colombian drug runners.

Bora Bora 2 was thought to have been involved in a cocaine transfer in
Northland waters with another yacht, Ngaire Wha.