Organised crime groups likely still dictate New Zealand's drug market despite huge increases in seized product. 

Border drug busts jumped from 1.5 to 6.5 tonnes between 2018 and 2024. 

In the first nine weeks of 2026, more than 12 tonnes of cocaine was stopped in the Pacific. 

Chair of Ministerial Advisory Group for Organised Crime Steve Symon told Mike Hosking groups are stockpiling.  

He says they're getting enough drugs in so they can still control prices, even when there are disruptions. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Organised crime groups likely still dictate New Zealand's drug market despite huge increases in seized product.&nbsp;
Border drug busts jumped from 1.5 to 6.5 tonnes between 2018 and 2024.&nbsp;
In the first nine weeks of 2026, more than 12 tonnes of cocaine was stopped in the Pacific.&nbsp;
Chair of Ministerial Advisory Group for Organised Crime Steve Symon told Mike Hosking groups are stockpiling. &nbsp;
He says they're getting enough drugs in so they can still control prices, even when there are disruptions.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.

Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.

The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more.

The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Steve Symon: Ministerial Advisory Group for Organised Crime Chair on the increase in drugs being intercepted at the border

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/92b2ad46-088e-413e-bdcd-b42601540e5d/transcript