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Australia Launches Pacific Drug Task Force to Combat Trafficking Threat

Australian federal and Queensland police have launched a new joint task force to combat organized crime groups trafficking illicit drugs from Pacific nations into northern Australia. The North Queensland Joint Organized Crime Task Force will specifically target trafficking routes through the Torres Strait, citing concerns over tonnes of stockpiled drugs. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett highlighted the threat these stockpiles pose, giving crime syndicates easy access near Australia's doorstep. The task force will also work to prevent related crimes like sexual servitude, forced labor, and people smuggling in the region.

Key Points: Australia Launches Task Force to Target Pacific Drug Trafficking

  • Targets drug trafficking from Pacific
  • Counters meth and cocaine stockpiles
  • Protects Torres Strait communities
  • Also tackles people smuggling and servitude
2 min read

Australian police launch task force to target Pacific drug trafficking

New joint police task force targets organized crime trafficking meth and cocaine from Pacific stockpiles into northern Australia via the Torres Strait.

"We believe there are tonnes of illicit commodities that have been stockpiled in the Pacific over many years - AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett"

Canberra, Feb 20

Authorities on Friday launched a new task force to target organised criminals trafficking illicit drugs into northern Australia from Pacific nations.

A statement from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the police force in the northeast state of Queensland said that the North Queensland Joint Organized Crime Task Force (JOCTF) would counter the growing threat of criminals sourcing methamphetamine and cocaine stockpiled in the Pacific, Xinhua news agency reported.

It said that the task force will target organized criminals engaged in trafficking through the Torres Strait, the body of water that separates northern Queensland and New Guinea, to protect vulnerable communities and Australian sovereignty.

"We believe there are tonnes of illicit commodities that have been stockpiled in the Pacific over many years, giving onshore and offshore organized crime syndicates reliable and easy access to dangerous drugs on the doorstep of Australia," AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said.

She said that there is a growing concern among leaders of Indigenous communities who inhabit islands in the Torres Strait that more of their youth are consuming illicit commodities because of the increase in trafficking.

In addition to drug trafficking, the AFP said that the new JOCTF would identify and prevent sexual servitude, forced labor and people smuggling.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The mention of "sexual servitude and forced labour" is chilling. These criminal networks are multi-headed monsters. A strong, coordinated task force is needed. Wishing the Australian police all the best 🙏.
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Aman W
Good step. But the problem often is that these task forces focus on interdiction after the drugs are already moving. Need more intelligence sharing with Pacific island nations to dismantle the stockpiles at source. Prevention is better than cure.
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Sarah B
It's heartbreaking to read about the youth on those islands getting pulled into this. The social cost is immense. Hope the task force also has a strong community outreach and rehabilitation component.
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Vikram M
Maritime borders are so difficult to police. The Torres Strait is a complex area. This requires high-tech surveillance and fast boats. Australia has the resources, they should use them effectively to secure their sovereignty. Jai Hind!
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Karthik V
Respectfully, while this task force is needed, I hope the focus isn't just on law enforcement. The demand in Australia fuels this trade. More needs to be done to reduce demand through education and support systems. It's a two-way street.

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