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Rigaku Technology Supports New Zealand Customs in Record Drug Seizure

Jan 7, 2026

(Photo Source: 1News)

A recent 1News report highlighted the role of Rigaku’s handheld Raman technology in supporting New Zealand Customs officers at Auckland International Airport, where officials have seen a record spike in drug smuggling activity.

As the story reports, smuggling attempts have nearly doubled in 2025, with methamphetamine and cocaine being the most frequently intercepted substances. To meet this challenge, Customs is equipping its officers with advanced tools to rapidly and confidently identify suspicious substances in the field.

Among the technologies now in use is the Rigaku CQL Max-ID handheld Raman analyzer, capable of detecting thousands of controlled substances, precursors, and cutting agents — even through packaging. With these tools in hand, Customs personnel can act faster, minimize delays, and focus their efforts where it matters most.

 

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rigaku Analytical Devices.

 

 
Jen Lynch is a Marketing Director and has been involved in the marketing side of manufacturing companies for almost 20 years. Beginning her career as a Marketing Admin, she worked her way through various roles that included events, database management, social media, channel distributors, digital transformation, and more. Focused really on handheld analytical technology that brings the lab to the field, means she has had her hands in many different industries that include pharmaceutical manufacturing, metal production, mining exploration, consumer goods manufacturing – including children’s products, such as toys, and now heavily involved in safety & security applications used by customs & border patrol, law enforcement, military, and first responders.

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