Organised criminals trafficking illicit commodities through the Torres Strait will be targeted by a joint AFP and Queensland Police Service (QPS) taskforce to further protect vulnerable communities and Australian sovereignty.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett and QPS Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius today in Cairns announced the North Queensland Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF), which will counter the growing threat of criminals sourcing methamphetamine and cocaine stockpiled in the Pacific.
The North Queensland JOCTF, which started in January and has several active operations, will also have a laser-like focus on identifying and preventing sexual servitude, forced labour and people smuggling, crimes that impact on some of the most vulnerable in Australia's region.
Polycriminality remains a growing trend for organised criminals, who continually diversify their illegal business model to boost their profits.
The North Queensland JOCTF will also help safeguard against potential foreign interference, given the proximity of the Torres Strait to the Pacific.
Commissioner Barrett said the AFP had several new priorities, including protecting vulnerable communities and defending domestic and regional security.
"We believe there are tonnes of illicit commodities that have been stockpiled in the Pacific over many years, giving onshore and offshore organised crime syndicates reliable and easy access to dangerous drugs on the doorstep of Australia,'' Commissioner Barrett said.
"We know vulnerability and profitability are key drivers for organised crime, as is low risk and high reward. This new taskforce bolsters security at our border and dramatically increases the risk for organised crime.
"The black flights landing at regional air strips and the porous border between PNG and North Queensland require a more visible law enforcement presence.
"It also requires a supercharged focus on identifying targets who are the greatest threats to Australia's national security, sovereignty and future prosperity.
"Importantly there is a growing concern among First Nations leaders in the Torres Strait and Bamaga that more of their youth are consuming illicit commodities because of the increase of trafficking through the region.
"The damaging and long-term consequences of consuming illicit commodities has a devasting effect on our young people, who are our future.
"When I became Commissioner in October last year I set new priorities, including protecting our vulnerable communities and our kids, plus protecting our domestic security and our region.
"Organised criminals are a direct threat to Australia's sovereignty and security and that means every resource, including all capabilities available to our counter terrorism teams, will be available to protect North Queensland. We are coming for them."
Commissioner Barrett said the taskforce would work closely with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, trusted and reliable partners also determined to dismantle organised crime in their country.
QPS Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said the North Queensland JOCTF was a continuation of the QPS' strong inter-agency relationships in the Torres Strait.
"The remote nature of the Far North District presents unique challenges for the QPS, however we maintain a strong policing presence in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area, and are committed to ensuring community safety," Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said.
"We take a zero-tolerance approach to organised crime and the North Queensland JOCTF will enhance our ability to prevent, detect and disrupt offending, and protect vulnerable members of our community.
"We understand the devastating impacts that dangerous drugs, illegal weapons and personal crimes can have, and anyone causing harm to Queenslanders can expect to be arrested, and put before a court."
The team of seven will be based in Cairns and will leverage QPS, ABF, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and AFP powers, capabilities and partnerships, including intelligence from INTERPOL and Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group (FELEG). It will focus on organised crime from the Torres Strait to Townsville.
The North Queensland JOCTF will also access information from AFP-led Taskforce Thunder, a target development squad working with Pacific Island law enforcement agencies focused on organised crime seeking to exploit the proximity, traditional movement and cultural links between Australia and the Pacific.
The JOCTF model, already deployed in multiple Australian states and territories, brings together the intelligence, resources and capabilities of policing, law enforcement and government agencies, including ABF and the ACIC.
