Jamie Bamford: Customs Deputy Chief Executive of Operations on the new remote control vessels for sea border patrols

Customs says we're getting more bang for our buck with new remote controlled vessels patrolling our sea borders.  The boats —Tahi and Rua— were launched yesterday and now help protect our maritime security, including stopping drug smuggling.  They'll operate at sea for up to 100 days using solar and wind power, while providing real-time intelligence.  A recent Government report shows Customs seized 55 kilograms worth of methamphetamine in 2015, now 90 kilos gets stopped every week.  Customs Deputy Chief Executive of Operations Jamie Bamford told Mike Hosking it's a technological milestone in their capability.  He says drug cartels are starting to use the ocean to smuggle, and we have the world's 11th longest coastline to monitor.  Bamford told Hosking each vessel cost around one million dollars each.  He says if you put out a frigate it's a lot more expensive and can't be out there for as long because it takes a crew and fuel.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.