AFP’s Northern Command stamps out record levels of crime in Queensland in 2024

From a monster pedophile to alleged Russian spies and the largest cocaine seizure in Australian history, 2024 has proved a record year for busting crime.

Operation Groot stopped a cocaine importation plot, among others. Picture: Zoe Picture/AFP

From a monster pedophile to alleged Russian spies and the largest cocaine seizure in Australian history, the AFP’s Northern Command has stamped out record levels of crime in Queensland in 2024.

Earlier this month, the AFP’s Operation Tyrrendor seized a record 2.34 tonnes of cocaine with the assistance of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Australian Border Force (ABF).

The cocaine, worth an estimated $760 million, was found on board a boat intercepted off the Queensland coast during a night-time operation by the AFP’s elite Specialist Response Group.

Two men were arrested on the vessel and another nine men and two juveniles, including the vice-president of the Brisbane chapter of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang, were arrested in Bundaberg and Brisbane over their alleged involvement.

The record-breaking seizure equalled nearly half of Australia’s estimated annual total of cocaine consumption.

The AFP charged 11 men and two juveniles following an investigation into a transnational organised crime syndicate accused of conspiring to import 2.34 tonnes of cocaine into Australia by sea. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

AFP investigators disrupted another major criminal syndicate in April, targeting a group believed to be responsible for a botched 900kg cocaine import in late 2023 which led to bricks of the drug washing up on NSW beaches.

Operation Groot was a joint AFP, QPS, ABF, Department of Home Affairs and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) investigation which resulted in charges against 23 people for their alleged involvement in the syndicate and its activities.

Those arrested included a Brisbane man, 36, who is alleged to have organised the import and is suspected of involvement in at least two others.

The AFP’s Northern Command seized more than 4.6 tonnes of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of around $2 billion this year.

Queensland police stopped multiple drug importation plots.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough said 2024 was a standout year for the AFP’s Northern Command.

 “We have seized more illicit substances and made more arrests than ever before,” Assistant Commissioner Gough said.

“We’ve significantly disrupted organised crime in this state and crippled criminal groups for years to come.

“Whether it is minimising the harm of illicit drugs, countering extremism, saving people from human exploitation, combating cybercrime or protecting the travelling public at our airports, the AFP is steadfast in its commitment to keep Australians safe.”

Ashley Paul Griffith.

A childcare sex offender who preyed on scores of young children was handed a life sentence with a non-parole period of 27 years in the Brisbane District Court late last month.

Monster pedophile Ashley Paul Griffith abused 69 children at childcare centres in Queensland and Italy between 2003 and 2022.

He pleaded guilty to 307 offences, including 28 counts of rape and 190 counts of indecently treating a child in his care

After nearly a decade, a breakthrough was made by the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation’s (ACCCE) Victim Identification Unit (VIU). AFP investigators from the Queensland Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (QLD JACET) arrested Griffith, aged 47, in 2022.

QLD JACET investigators continue to provide assistance and support to the victims and their families.

Russian-born Brisbane couple Igor and Kira Korolev. Picture: Facebook

In July, a Russian born Brisbane couple became the first people in Australia to be charged under foreign interference laws that came into effect in 2018.

Igor and Kira Korolev were arrested by the AFP and ASIO-led Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce (CFITF) for allegedly obtaining Australian Defence Force material to share with Russian authorities.

Their case remains before the courts.

Meanwhile 142 people were arrested at the three Queensland airports - Brisbane, Gold Coast and Cairns - where the AFP provides aviation security and policing services.

The alleged offences, included anti-social behaviour on planes and in terminals, theft, security breaches, importing illicit substances and possessing cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.