New generation of drug dealers lured by anonymity of Australia’s postal service
Mortgage brokers, insurance agents and uni students are among some of the occupations held by Australia’s new wave of drug traffickers, who are being enticed by the anonymity of new schemes.
VIC News
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Uni students and young adults have emerged as a new generation of drug dealers.
Opportunistic drug traffickers are being lured into the business of crime by the anonymity of the dark web and Australia’s postal service.
Detective Inspector Craig Darlow said people have found what they think are “easy” ways to make money dealing drugs without being caught.
“The anonymity of the post has attracted a lot of new players into drug dealing,” Det Insp Darlow told the Herald Sun.
“It has opened the door for a large number of people that have not traditionally been criminals — with day jobs ranging from mortgage brokers, insurance agents, gym owners and uni students.
“They are lured into this due to the profitability they can see. They think they aren’t going to be detected because they don’t have to confront other drug users.”
The new generation are behind a surge in drug trade via the post.
More than 5000 packages have been seized by Operation Vitreus — a national co-ordinated campaign targeting illicit drugs — in the last year.
Traffickers are becoming more creative in the way they attempted to conceal methelamphatmnes, cannabis, cocaine, MDMA and steroids.
“We have seen drugs smuggled in varied ways like noodle packets, milo tins, coffee pods, goji berries, jigsaw puzzles, and kids toys,” Det Insp Carlow said.
“It never fails to surprise us, the different methodologies people go to try and traffick drugs.
“More and more they are abusing the domestic post system. These drug dealers are in our sights, they shouldn’t feel safe. We are committed to reducing the level of supply.”
Crime Stoppers Victoria CEO Stella Smith said parents needed to be watchful that drugs were not being sent to their homes in the guise of online shopping.
“Uni students and young adults are the new drug traffickers and this is not OK,” she said.
Ms Smith said there was a risk drug trafficking was being normalised.
“People can buy these illicit drugs just like groceries and then have them delivered to their front door just like the rest of their online shopping,” Ms Smith said.
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The Drugs in the Mail campaign aims to bring attention to the level of mail trafficking and get the public to help interrupt it.
Ms Smith said Crime Stoppers wanted people to come forward to help cut supply.
“We are not looking for information on the end users. We are looking for information specifically regarding the manufacture. trafficking and supply of illicit drugs,” she said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.