Cruel way drug dealers are using desperate jobseekers

Authorities are warning unsuspecting jobseekers of social media ads conning people into acting as couriers for international drug traffickers.

Investigators are warning the community about international criminals using social media to recruit people to unknowingly act as drug couriers.

A multi-agency investigation has been launched in response to drug traffickers approaching jobseekers online about “courier roles” to unknowingly receive, store or transport packages containing illegal drugs from drug syndicates.

The drug traffickers create fake online profiles on “work wanted” pages and for groups on social media.

The Australian Border Force have helped track down international parcels containing illicit drugs. Picture: Supplied/Queensland Police.

In one failed drug smuggling attempt, investigators stopped a Brisbane man who thought he had accepted an online job offer delivering packages for a construction company.

The man was found transporting 2kg of methylamphetamine disguised as an international parcel containing religious ornaments.

The man had been offered $250 by the drug traffickers per delivery after he posted an ad for work online.

International drug traffickers are posting fake jobs online. Picture: Supplied/Queensland Police.

The package intercepted by authorities also contained religious ornaments. Picture: Supplied/Queensland Police

Drug and serious crime group Detective Inspector Brad Phelps said the trend was “not unique to Queensland and highlights criminals will do whatever they can for their own financial gain, including preying on vulnerable people”.

“While police are continuing to work jointly with law-enforcement partners and social media companies to prevent this offending and to stop drugs being brought into our communities, we urge the public to stay alert to these approaches and take measures to protect against them,” he said.

Australian Border Force Commander Pam Radin said the community needed to be aware of the relevant penalties of being involved.

“Strong penalties exist for involvement in drug trafficking. We want to work with, and educate, the community before it comes to that so that people are aware of the dangers to themselves and to others.” he said.

“The ABF will continue its resolute efforts to detect and deter illegal import attempts.”

Queensland Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force are encouraging the community to stay vigilant by researching any potential employers and verifying the organisations ABN.

Residents are urged to be wary of anyone offering “easy” money for minimal effort and of people asking for bank account details and driver’s licence numbers.

If you have been the victim of a cybercrime, you can report this online at ReportCyber.

Originally published as Cruel way drug dealers are using desperate jobseekers