The Australian Federal Police (AFP) will lead a new international initiative to combat the trafficking of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals worldwide as part of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.
Formed in July 2023, the coalition unites 156 countries, including Australia, to address the growing global threat posed by synthetic drugs. The effort encompasses policing, public health, and policy initiatives aimed at curbing the proliferation of these dangerous substances.
As part of the initiative, AFP officers will coordinate a multi-national effort to enhance screening processes and disrupt key transit routes for illicit drugs and chemicals used in their manufacture. The AFP will also work with international law enforcement partners to identify vulnerabilities and bolster disruption efforts.
AFP Assistant Commissioner David McLean emphasised that Australia remains a prime target for organised crime due to the high prices people are willing to pay for illicit drugs. However, he highlighted that international cooperation in disrupting transit routes would yield global benefits.
“Our Asia-Pacific region is a crucial hub for criminal groups to source precursors and finished synthetic drugs before exporting them globally,” McLean said.
“The AFP is in a unique position to leverage our established international network to drive sophisticated intelligence gathering and analysis, which will direct global collaboration to disrupt these activities in regions where we can make a tangible impact.”
McLean also noted the persistent demand for methamphetamine in Australia and the growing threat posed by Nitazenes, a potent synthetic opioid.
“Australia is at the end of the supply chain for these substances, and their large-scale distribution in our communities causes widespread harm, burdens the health system, and contributes to other crimes and financial inequality,” he said. “We share a common concern with our law enforcement partners and are committed to stopping countries from being exploited as manufacturing sites for synthetic drugs and chemical precursors or as hubs for global drug transportation.”
Australia has long supported law enforcement efforts across the Pacific, with over 100 AFP officers stationed in the region to enhance local policing capabilities and share intelligence on criminal activities through the Pacific Transnational Crime Network.
Several of the AFP’s existing partnerships in Asia will serve as a framework for tackling issues as part of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.
The AFP is also actively engaged in joint task forces with Cambodia, Thailand, and China, which have successfully prevented tonnes of illicit drugs from entering Australia and disrupted illegal supply chains.
Additionally, the Mekong-Australia Partnership on Transnational Crime (MAP-TNC) is helping countries in the Mekong subregion address the challenges posed by transnational organised crime, including the trafficking of synthetic drugs.
Through its leadership and international collaborations, the AFP aims to make the Pacific one of the most challenging regions for organised crime groups to operate in, further strengthening the global fight against synthetic drugs.
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