NATIONAL THREAT, SAYS AFP
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Raegan Stewart says large shipments of illegal drugs like meth pose a threat to national security.
“The criminal activities of organised crime networks have devastating effects on our financial and health systems,” he explains.
“We also know the profits of illicit importations can be used to fund politically-motivated crimes or terrorism, which can also cause political and societal instability in our region.
“Members of criminal networks give little thought to the widespread suffering they inflict by peddling illicit drugs such as methamphetamine into our country.”
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien says the import of meth and other drugs on an industrial scale ruins lives and destroys communities and families.
“Make no mistake: the impact these illicit substances have on human behaviour translates to road trauma, family violence, homicides, fatal shootings and other violent offending intrinsically linked to illicit drug trafficking,” he says.
“We are simply not prepared to allow this to happen.
“Seizing six tonnes of methylamphetamine ($1.7bn)
is a significant blow ….. we will continue the fight.”
Acting Pacific Regional Commander for the RCMP, Stephen Lee says the investigation demonstrates international policing at its best.
“Our officers worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the Canada Border Services Agency and international partners to help build a case that led to serious charges,” he says.
“While the individuals arrested were not from Canada, this investigation shows that transnational crime networks are far-reaching; our commitment to disrupting them does not stop at our borders.”
CBSA Pacific Regional Director General Nina Patel says the fight remains a global effort.
“This collaboration makes one thing clear, those who attempt to exploit our communities will be confronted through strong, unified action,” she says.
ABF Acting Commander Eleanor Grigg says organised crime groups are being closely watched and that any threat will be acted on swiftly by them.
NZ Police Assistant Commissioner Investigations Corrie Parnell said five NZ men received lengthy jail terms over the 2023 meth shipment.
“… they poorly attempted to use food products by way of maple syrup containers,” he says of the discovery.
SUPPORT SERVICES
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
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