AFP makes 266 ‘disruptions’ as it targets drugs, terrorists across international network

The Australian Federal Police has recorded 266 international disruptions as it targeted terrorism, drug and human trafficking, child exploitation and cyber offences across 21 countries.

Australian Federal Police recorded 266 international disruptions in the past financial year as it tackled terrorism, drug and human trafficking, child exploitation and cyber offences across 21 countries.

Most international assistance from the AFP related to the illicit drug trade in countries such as Mexico, China and Colombia.

AFP officers in Jordan where a partnership with the Jordan Community Peace Centre is raising awareness of radicalisation processes. Picture: AFP.

Disruptions including people smuggling, terrorism and child exploitation were worked by posts in Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Phnom-Penh, Singapore and The Hague.

AFP Assistant Commissioner International Command Mike Pannett said more than 150 officers were stationed across 33 countries.

How AFP assists global law enforcement

• Sharing intelligence, evidence and information from Australian law enforcement agencies
• Partnering to leverage capabilities
• Developing partners’ capabilities
• The provision of specialist capabilities for investigations
• Training and development initiatives

“Our members in overseas posts are helping to keep our region safe and by doing that we are helping to keep Australians, and Australian interests, safe,’’ Assistant Commissioner Pannett said.

“AFP international operations assist international policing and non-government bodies to disrupt crime and support regional security, safety and stability.

“It also reduces criminal and national security threats through collaborative law and order Police Development Missions, participation in internationally-mandated peace operations and provision of civil policing assistance in accordance with Australian foreign development policy priorities.”

Supplied Editorial AFP officers in the Solomon Islands. Picture: AFP.

Supplied Editorial AFP officers in Timor-Leste. Picture: AFP.

AFP’s Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command, launched in 2020, investigated terrorist activity against Australians domestically and abroad.

Its role is to disrupt terrorist groups and acts and those travelling to fight in conflict zones.

Over the past financial year it partnered with Jordan Community Peace Centre to raise awareness of radicalisation processes.

AFP human trafficking investigators assessing allegations of potential sexual servitude offences by a NSW man. Picture: AFP.

“The community engagement programs have assisted the AFP to contribute to ongoing stability in Jordan, a key security partner in the Middle East,” AFP said in a statement.

“This compliments operational engagement with Jordanian and other international partners in the region to identify and disrupt terrorist threats that emanate from the region to Australia or South East Asian partners, as well as the collection of evidence regarding Australian Foreign Terrorist Fighters to prevent the threat they may pose to the Australian community.”

AFP also aided international partners in seizing 19.4 tonnes of drugs overseas in the past financial year, which it said helped avoid $7 billion in harm.

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