RECENT discoveries of uncrewed narco-submarines washed up on the Pacific Islands have raised alarm bells for the Australian Federal Police as they continue to battle cocaine imports into Australia.
A new police taskforce consisting of seven officers from the AFP and Queensland Police Services was established in late February to tackle illegal boat incursions, particularly in Far North Queensland.
Commissioner Krissy 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.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said "tonnes of illicit
commodities have been stockpiled". Image: AFP
“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."
At least seven narcotics smuggling submarines have been sighted in Pacific waters near Australia in the past 18 months, according to an ABC media report.
Most recently, three more of the drug-running vessels were reportedly deserted on the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands.
Experts say the vessels were suspected arrivals from the Americas, transiting through the Pacific Islands to deliver cocaine to the lucrative Australian market, and that it will become even more common as new figures show Australia's demand is leading the world.
“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," Commissioner Barrett said.
“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.”
Unpoliced Pacific Islands are being used as a transit point to transport drugs such as cocaine, according to reports.
Criminals are allegedly exploiting under-resourced border control in countries such as the Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island nations.