Controlled Deliveries Flashcards
WHAT IS A CONTROLLED DELIVERY *
Illicit drugs concealed detected by Customs but not intercepted. The delivery continues under control or surveillance to secure evidence.
WHO CAN CARRY OUT A CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY? *
Power by Customs Officer. Police can assist with arrest and prosecution.
What are the emergency powers involved in a controlled delivery?
Section 12 - MODAA 1978
Alllow delivery of unlawfully imported drugs or precursor substance for the purpose of detection.
Section 81 of S and S Act 2012. You can:
SEARCH a person involved
ENTER and SEARCH place or vehicle
SEIZE anything if RGTB thing is offence against MODA 1975
Methods of importation
- International Mail Centre
- Inside a mail article
- International Airport
- Arriving courier using either body packing, internal concealment or concealed within luggage
- Imported air freight
- Imported sea freight
OPTION 1 - CONTROLLED DELIVERY
A “clean controlled delivery”. No drugs left in package. This eliminates risk of losing drugs and gives freedom regarding surveillance. Reduces risk of alarming targets. Can only charge with importation and conspiracy.
OPTION 2 - CONTROLLED DELIVERY
Leave small amount of drugs in package and remainder substituted. Requires greater security. Enables charge of possession for supply and enable emergency powers should it be needed if not covered in the warrant.
Initial Action Phase
- Assume ownership and leadership of investigation and appoint the following roles:
- O/C Investigation
- O/C File
- O/C Exhibits
- O/C Phones / interception (if applicable)
- Customs liaison officer. - Liaise early with Customs O/C Exhibits
- Consider electronic interception as part of the controlled delivery. Must be a Class A or B or cannabis offence under section 6
- Request Customs to manipulate the ‘Track and Trace’ system if the parcel is in a track and trace system.
- Contact the following services as early as possible:
- Surveillance Squad
- Photography Section
- Crime Monitoring Centre (CMC) – if applicable
- Technical Support Unit (TSU) – if applicable. - Start planning operation, developing op orders and rostering staff to cover the duration of the controlled delivery operation.
What to consider when profiling the package
- any phone number attached to the package or accompanying documentation
- IMEI / SIM information undertaken at early stage (call data)
- telecommunications service providers portability of cell phones
- DNA / fingerprinting / handwriting / impressions / mechanical fit
- multiple packages, including dummy runs to target address or associated addresses.
What to consider when profiling the delivery address
- occupants
- local council – owner / rate payer details
- council plans of street and target premises (includes aerial)
- rubbish delivery – date / time
- Housing New Zealand
- electricity / gas suppliers to address
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PROFILING THE ADDRESSEE? *
Consider:
- real person or false name?
- connections to delivery address
- relevant convictions / notings / associations
- travel / connections to country of origin
- bank accounts – large deposits, overseas transfers
- police intelligence held (NIA, previous investigations, MO section, IMP, arresting officers)
- risk assessment – firearms required.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SETTING UP AN OBSERVATION POINT *
- Suitable location for OP
- camera OP requirements VS intercept requirements
- whether SDW required
- what staff will occupy the OP
What to consider when profiling a potential address
- proximity to target address – close enough to be effective, far enough away to be unobtrusive
- unobstructed line of sight to target address
- access to and from address without arousing suspicion
- ability to beam signals and/or tap into Telecom cables (video and audio interception)
- phone lines available in street
- other conditions relating to the vicinity of the OP, eg parking, schools, animals
What to consider when profiling the occupants
- NIA check for convictions, associations
- employment
- credit checks
- power account
- CUSMOD checks.
Things to consider when approaching occupants
- cover story
- protection of identity
- room available with 24-hour access
- preferably no children
- preferably no visitors to address during operation
- gratuity ‘Thank You’ at investigation conclusion
Steps to repack a controlled delivery package
- Liaise with Customs Technical Unit
- Consider options of repacking eg. multiple packaging, tracking device, dye trap
- Consider seeking advice from the document examiner
- Leave appropriate quantity of controlled drug in package and replace with similar substance
- Photograph package layer by layer using scale rule and photo labels
