Authorities prevented nearly 50 tonnes of illegal drugs from reaching Australia in the 2022-23 financial year. To put this in perspective, that’s the equivalent weight of around 25 large cars or 100 thoroughbred horses.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a recent media release that they worked in collaboration with international law enforcement partners to stop the drugs hitting the streets. The seizures include billions of worth of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and other illegal drugs.
AFP Commander International Engagement Andrew Smith said, “The AFP is incredibly proud to collaborate with its international law enforcement partners, to stop transnational criminal syndicates profiting from these harmful drugs.
“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.”
The seizures during the 2022-23 financial year included around 29 tonnes of methamphetamines. This 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.”
Mexico recorded the largest seizures of illicit drugs bound for Australia with nearly 17 tonnes. Next were Canada, New Zealand the US.
The seizures included:
- A haul of 240 kilograms of methamphetamines, which was on its way to Australia from Hong Kong. The AFP worked with Hong Kong authorities to prevent the drugs from coming into Australia. Several arrests have resulted.
- The seizure of over 50 kilograms of methamphetamines, with a street value of $15 million. The AFP worked with NSW, Australian and Papua New Guinea authorities to seize the drugs and arrest five transnational organised crime syndicate members.
- A 4-tonne shipment of methamphetamines, seized by Mexican authorities in Mexico, that was destined for Australia.
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Authorities prevented nearly 50 tonnes of illegal drugs from reaching Australia in the 2022-23 financial year. Credit Australian Federal Police.