17 December 2023, 7:41am
Media Release
AFP and partners prevents up to 49 tonnes of illicit drugs imported to Australia
Editor’s note: Vision and images are available via Hightail
The AFP and international law enforcement partners have prevented up to 49 tonnes of illicit drugs from reaching Australia during joint operations and investigations in the past financial year.
Billions of dollars’ worth of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin are among the illicit drugs seized offshore during the past financial year (2022-2023).
About 29 tonnes of illicit drugs and precursors seized were recorded as being directly linked to an Australian crime group or likely to be sent to Australia.
Through a strong network of more 200 personnel located in 34 countries, the AFP disrupts the manufacture and exportation of illicit drugs offshore to prevent shipments from reaching Australia.
AFP Commander International Engagement Andrew Smith said the AFP, working together with its international law enforcement partners offshore, had prevented up to 49 tonnes of harmful illicit drugs from reaching Australia.
“The AFP is incredibly proud to collaborate with its international law enforcement partners, to stop transnational criminal syndicates profiting from these harmful drugs,” Commander Smith said.
“Transnational serious organised crime (TSOC) groups are driven by money and power and have no regard for the harm illicit substances inflict on our community. We remain committed to tackling the illicit drug supply chain.”
Commander Smith said with more than 29 tonnes of methamphetamine seized during the financial year, the drug remained a major concern to Australian law enforcement.
“The AFP cannot overstate the amount of harm that 29 tonnes of methamphetamine could have caused to the community if it had not been intercepted by law enforcement,” Commander Smith said.
“On average, close to 12,000 Australians are hospitalised from methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin use every 12 months.*
“The AFP will not rest in our efforts, domestically and offshore, to detect and disrupt criminal syndicates causing Australians immeasurable harm through the vile drug trade.”
Mexico, Canada, New Zealand and the US, recorded the largest seizures of illicit drugs bound for Australia.
|
Country |
Total Seizure Weight (Kg) of Illicit Drugs for FY 22/23 |
|
Mexico |
16,746kg |
|
Canada |
4,734kg |
|
New Zealand |
3,348kg |
|
US |
3,299kg |
“Commitment to working in collaboration with international policing partners is critical in delivering AFP outcomes against Australia’s TSOC threats internationally,” Commander Smith said.
“A strong example of our close operational and strategic engagement is the collaboration Turkish National Police and the AFP have developed through the planned and deliberate engagement strategy of Operation Gain.
“Turkish National Police recently took action that led to the arrest of more than three dozen organised crime figures, including at least 15 with significant links to Australia.
“Some of our biggest criminal targets are operating internationally. The 49 tonnes of illicit drugs is a staggering amount seized and there is no question that Australia would have been a likely target for a large quantity of those drugs.
“We want to assure the public we are working tirelessly offshore to keep Australians safe at home.”
CASE STUDIES:
Operation Quilt:
The AFP has recently been working with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and Hong Kong Customs and Excise (HKCE) through Operation Quilt, which has resulted in significant quantities of methamphetamine (240kg) being seized before reaching Australia’s borders.
Intelligence shared by the HKPF Narcotics Bureau also alerted the AFP to a possible criminal syndicate establishing a clandestine laboratory in Sydney where 146kg of methamphetamine was manufactured and ready for domestic distribution in Australia.
A number of arrests have been made in both Australia and Hong Kong.
Operation Gepard:
The AFP, NSW Police Force’s Crime Command (Strike Force Redground) and the Australian Intelligence Criminal Commission (Operation Nashton) have worked in close and continual cooperation with members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) as part of the investigation , Operation Gepard.
This investigation resulted in the arrest of five transnational serious organised crime syndicate members and the seizure of approximately 52kg of methamphetamine with a street value estimate at more than $15 million.
Four of the five men, all from NSW, were charged relating to their alleged involvement.
The Mexican Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR):
SEMAR has reported yet another significant seizure of methamphetamine destined for Australia. SEMAR and Customs of Manzanillo, Mexico, seized a 4-tonne shipment of methamphetamine, purporting to be tequila, destined for Australia.
Through its work with international partners, AFP members based in Mexico provided ongoing intelligence to SEMAR, which resulted in the significant seizure and disruption of methamphetamine.
AFP and SEMAR have a strong working relationship, with an estimated 34 tonnes of methamphetamine being seized by SEMAR, during the past 14 months.
The AFP works closely with its international partners, as part of its global International Command Network. SEMAR is a strong partner of the AFP, and the seizure is a testament to SEMAR’s close collaboration with the AFP, and SEMAR’s determination to combat organised crime syndicates (Mexican cartels) in Mexico.
* Australian Institute of Health & Welfare
Note to media:
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at www.counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to www.turningpoint.org.au.
