Hundreds of drug seizures made in joint Australian-Dutch operation

Over 270 attempts to import illicit drugs into Australia were foiled after the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Netherlands Tax and Customs Administration (Dutch Customs) joined forces to target international mail items between the two countries.

During a week of action from 5-11 February, the two agencies coordinated their intervention activities in mail centres to stop attempted importations of illicit drugs and precursors such as MDMA, methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and ephedrine.

The ABF devoted additional resources at the International Mail Gateway Facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane to support the activity and together with Dutch Customs carried out over 1000 detailed physical examinations.

The officers detected a range of illicit drugs including methamphetamine, GBL, cocaine and MDMA.

ABF Assistant Commissioner, Strategic Border Command, Kaylene Zakharoff said the operation provided a great opportunity to build on the already strong relationship with the ABF’s Dutch counterparts.

“We work closely with customs and law enforcement agencies around the world, and operations like this allow officers from both nations to share information, resources and expertise,” Assistant Commissioner Zakharoff said.

“Together we have stopped a significant amount of illicit drugs from reaching the Australian community and we thank our Dutch friends for their assistance. We look forward to continuing our longstanding partnership with this key international partner.

“This operation demonstrates the ABF’s commitment to disrupt the international supply of methamphetamine (‘ice’) and chemical precursors to Australia by strengthening international engagement. These substances pose a significant security and health threat to Australia and our region.”

Bert Wiersema, Acting General Director Dutch Customs stressed the importance of international Customs cooperation to combat drug trafficking from and to Europe.

“This cooperation with Australian Border Force is a splendid example of joining forces and intelligence to disrupt this kind of illegal activity,” Wiersema said.

Both ABF and Dutch Customs are committed to undertaking further joint initiatives in the future.

Source: http://newsroom.border.gov.au