New Zealand Customs staff have been caught using and selling drugs, committing fraud and accessing information without the right clearance, it's been revealed.
Figures released to Newshub reveal 60 employees were investigated for code of conduct breaches over the past five years.
Forty staff faced disciplinary action as a result of investigations, with punishments including formal warnings, demotions and being fired.
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Customs acting deputy controller of operations Paul Campbell says the agency has a strict zero tolerance policy on misconduct.
"We do have events that from time to time test the process, and we take rapid and proportionate action in terms of those areas where misconduct is found."
Documents released under the Official Information Act show 11 employees were either fired or resigned after selling and using drugs, breaching information clearance, fraud, failing to follow protocols, inappropriately using systems or equipment, theft and not showing up for work.
Customs did not release specific details of the breaches, but some of the less serious offences include conflicts of interest, inappropriate material on social media and the abuse of power as an officer.
The agency says it investigates complaints involving staff promptly and thoroughly.
"We will support prosecution where the evidence supports it," Mr Campbell adds.
Nearly all of the investigations started because of complaints made internally by Customs staff. It admits it could do more to support officers who blow the whistle on colleagues who break the rules.
"I think it's an area that we continue to work on as an organisation."
There are several options available to officers who want to make misconduct known, Mr Campbell says.
Minister for Customs Meka Whaitiri told Newshub that criminal activity would not be tolerated on the frontline.
"One case is one too many," she says.
Ms Whaitiri warns there will be significant consequences for people who break the rules, adding the agency takes its role very seriously.
"There'll be no cover-ups. They'll be investigated and the appropriate actions will be taken as they have been on these incidents."
The minister believes the three cases involving drugs are isolated, and is backing the agency's role in reducing the substances being peddled on the streets.
"Our airport-based staff, our intelligence staff, even down to our new recruits, the culture of Customs and the people that want to work for Customs is very high."
Customs employs more than 1200 people, with police vetting and drug testing a requirement.
Newshub.
