PRE-CURSOR DRUG DESTRUCTION IN CAMBODIA
2 February 2010
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today praised the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for their support and commitment to international policing efforts with the destruction of 15 tonnes of Safrole Oil in Cambodia.
Mr O’Connor said the destruction, which is due to be completed this week, was significant as Safrole Oil is a precursor to the illegal drug MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy.
“There is always a real potential that these illicit and dangerous substances could reach Australian shores and we will not sit back and allow this to occur. This recent burn sends a strong message that Australia will work with international policing partners to combat organised crime and illicit drug activity with all means at our disposal.
“Illegal drugs pose a substantial threat to the health, safety and welfare of the Australian community, destroying families and lives. The Australian Government is determined to fight drug activity through the development and implementation of strategic frameworks and networks.
The burn, conducted at an agreed site outside Battambang, was a joint operation between the Cambodian Government, the AFP and representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, the NSW Fire Brigade HAZMAT Team and the non-government organisation, Flora Fauna International.
This burn used new incineration technology flown over to Cambodia by the AFP for the destruction.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Ke Kim Yan, who approved the drug destruction, attended the burn along with the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, Ms Margaret Adamson, Cambodian National Police Commissioner General, Neth Savoeun and representatives from foreign law enforcement. Over 3000 locals also attended the burn.
“The outcome of the burn is a positive result, not only in the fight against illicit drug activity, but also in showing the successes and positive collaborative relationships between the AFP International Network and its international partners.
“I congratulate the AFP and Cambodian authorities on this significant destruction,” Mr O’Connor said.
The AFP has a liaison post in Phnom Penh - one of more than 36 posts in over 27 countries around the world. The AFP provides a first point of contact for overseas law enforcement enquiries and international cooperation through its International Liaison Officer Network.
Media Contact: Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567
