DRUG ARRESTS HIGHLIGHT BENEFITS OF COOPERATION
22 January 2010
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today congratulated Australian law enforcement agencies for disrupting an alleged organised crime syndicate with strong international links, following the seizure of 50 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (commonly called ice).
Two Chinese men, aged 31 and 47 years, were charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with one count of Trafficking a Commercial Quantity of a Border Controlled Drug contrary to the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The two men are due to appear in Sydney Central Local Court today.
Mr O’Connor said the arrests followed months of strategic coordination between the AFP, the Australian Crime Commission, New South Wales Crime Commission, New South Wales Police Force, and Customs and Border Protection.
“This is a significant achievement for the Australian law enforcement agencies involved and I congratulate them on the successful resolution of this operation,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Serious and organised crime is an ever-present threat to the safety of Australians and it is a threat the Government is determined to combat through its Organised Crime Strategic Framework.
“The framework provides for better coordination and integration between Commonwealth agencies, and the success of this operation demonstrates the exceptional ability of Australian law enforcement agencies to work together to combat transnational organised crime,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The Australian Government is committed to halting the flow of illicit drugs into Australia, and today’s result is further proof of that.”
The 50 kilograms of ice has an approximate street value of $20 million, and is a significant seizure of the prohibited drug in Australia.
Media Contact: Rob Ayling 0410 478 445
