Police and Border Force Know Who’s Been Naughty or Nice
Authorities are cracking down on drug importation this holiday season, ensuring that smugglers face consequences for their actions
Australia, Drug Importation, Christmas, Border Force, Police
Melbourne: It’s starting to feel a lot like prison for those trying to sneak in drugs during the holidays. Authorities are keeping a close eye on “creative” criminals.
The Australian Border Force and Federal Police have intercepted a whopping 720 drug shipments this year. One Italian guy is spending Christmas behind bars for trying to send 1.5 kilograms of ketamine hidden in Christmas toys from Spain.
He got a three-year sentence back in October. The package was caught on Christmas Day last year, and ABF Commander Ranjeev Maharaj said they’ve seen it all from smugglers this year.
“No matter how cleverly drugs are hidden, we’ll team up with the AFP to track down and prosecute those responsible, all year round, even during the holidays,” he said.
Some of the bigger busts included 9 kilograms of heroin hidden in paintbrushes from Vietnam and over 20 kilograms of meth stuffed in wine bottles, herbal tea, and bath salts in a traveler’s luggage.
AFP Commander Paula Hudson mentioned that the lengths these criminal groups go to are mind-blowing.
“Australia is a prime target for serious organized crime because of the high prices drugs can fetch here,” she explained.
She assured that the AFP is always on alert for these syndicates trying to flood Australia with drugs.
“Our message is clear: your efforts will fail – we’re always one step ahead,” Commander Hudson added.
“The AFP doesn’t take a break and will be watching closely, ready to act.”
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