How AFP and China are combining to defeat international drug cartels

The Australian Federal Police and Chinese authorities have seized a massive 20 tonnes of ice and precursor materials since launching a joint operation to tackle organised crime cartels who import the deadly drug into the country.

THE Australian Federal Police and Chinese authorities have seized a massive 20 tonnes of ice and precursor materials since launching a joint operation to tackle organised crime cartels who import the deadly drug into the country.

AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin travelled to China on Wednesday to renew Taskforce Blaze until 2020, following its launch in 2015.

Mr Colvin will also sign a new agreement with the Chinese on anti-corruption enforcement co-operation.

Police believe the Blaze taskforce has been such a success that crime groups in Australia are turning to other countries, such as Myanmar, to source ice.

DEMAND FOR PURER ECSTASY IS ON THE RISE

40,000 HITS WORTH OF METH SEIZED AT MELBOURNE AIRPORT

WINE BOTTLES FILLED WITH COCAINE INSTEAD OF VINO

An AFP member prepares to board a ship during a drug operation.

“Methamphetamine consumption in Australia is significant — the second highest in the world — so the continuation of Blaze ensures our shared partnership with China continues to be an integral part of the solution to what is a very complex transnational problem,” Mr Colvin told the Herald Sun.

“Taskforce Blaze has had a number of successful prosecutions in Australia which could not have been possible without the inclusion of Chinese evidence comprising drug samples, forensic reports and testimony from Chinese Police officers.

“It will build upon the existing intelligence sharing arrangements and further strengthen the co-operation, and abilities of law enforcement in the region to eradicate the source of drugs and obstruct ice trafficking channels.”

Up to October 25 the AFP had worked on 100 investigations with Chinese authorities and seized more than 10 tonnes of methamphetamine, 2005kg of ephedrine, 1480kg of cocaine and 1107kg of 1.4 Butanediol.

AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin and Director General of China's National Narcotics Control Commission Hu Minglang sign Phase 2 of Taskforce Blaze.

During the same time period Chinese police seized more than nine tonnes of methamphetamine, 15.9kg of liquid methamphetamine, 1680kg of ecstasy, 68kg of cocaine and 10.94kg of heroin.

WEI Xiao Jun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese National Narcotics Control Commission, said: “We have exchanged intelligence, conducted expanded joint operations and made significant breakthroughs in eradicating drug sources, interdicting trafficking channels, arresting drug traffickers, dismantling drug syndicates, and confiscating drug funds.

“This brings a positive impact to not only both countries but also this region’s drug situation.”

Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the AFP office opening in Beijing, while the Guangzhou office has now been open for 10 years.

Mr Colvin also welcomed the move by both countries to crack down on organised criminals who sought to hide money in Australia.

“The AFP wants to ensure Australia is not a safe haven for multinational drug criminals and their proceeds of crime, and as such the AFP will continue to provide law enforcement co-operation where possible and within Australia’s legal framework,” Mr Colvin said.

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