SMUGGLERS are using more sophisticated methods to import drugs. Last year, Customs discovered substances hidden in chocolate boxes, a kettle, spare car wheels and a specially adapted chamber inside a vehicle fuel tank.

The Guernsey Customs and Excise, Immigration and Nationality Service’s 2005 annual report, released earlier this week, states that organised importers, such as a crime syndicate, aim to make large profits and stay out of jail. To do so, they recruit others knowingly to carry drugs into the island, either as part of a drug debt payment, through fear or simply by offering a sum of money that cannot be refused.

The concealment methods being detected and levels of sophistication used vary widely from those of the opportunistic smuggler, who may simply conceal drugs, to those that go to great lengths to have a mechanical adaptation in a car that is accompanied by a typical family group of holiday makers, the report says.

‘It’s important that the officers keep pace with the trends, particularly methods of importation, and Customs authorities worldwide exchange information on a real time basis about the latest types of concealments and smuggling methods,’ said Customs chief officer Rob Prow.

‘The methods of importation are not only becoming more sophisticated, but smugglers are varying their methods, including devious concealments and use of freight and post,’ he said.

Guernsey is seeing more seizures of Class A drugs, but still encountering large concealments of cannabis.

Also, locally-seized heroin has very high levels of

purity.

Last year, 31% of all drugs seized were Class A substances and 69% Class B.

Where there is evidence of a principal culprit, even a UK resident not travelling to the island, investigations have led to them being brought back to the island on warrant.