New figures released today show half a ton of methamphetamine products have been stopped at the border in the first half of this year.

The amount, collected in 252 seizures, is estimated to have had a street value of $246 million dollars.

The Customs Service said it's a constant challenge to keep up with the inventive ways drug smugglers are trying to move their products into New Zealand.

Border operations manager Shane Panettiere said smugglers are stooping to hiding drugs in children's toys and even in their underwear.

"We do see trends of certain commodities..we might see filters one day and we might see machine parts the next, but certainly there are some very creative criminals out there."