David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice and Customs) Share this | Hansard source

To repeat: the joint Asian crime group utilised the Australian Federal Police’s extensive and effective international network as part of the investigation to identify the man allegedly involved. By using the combined expertise of the various agencies that are members of the Joint Asian Crime Group, we have been able to disrupt the importation of a very significant amount of cocaine, the fifth-largest ever, into Australia. This successful operation demonstrates clearly the strength of inter-agency cooperation both internationally and between federal and state agencies. I can report to the Senate that, since our first day in office, the government have taken a very strong and tough stance on drugs. I make no apology for that. The government will continue to maintain our strong stance in the fight against this insidious scourge in our community.

More recently, in October 2006, Australian Federal Police forensic and intelligence officers provided assistance to the Royal Malaysian Police to dismantle a clandestine and illicit drug laboratory producing drugs destined for Australia. In November 2005, the Australian Federal Police provided assistance to the Indonesian National Police, which resulted in the discovery and seizure of one of the world’s largest clandestine laboratories. On 4 December 2006, a passenger on a flight from Bangkok was apprehended with 696 grams of heroin. On 15 November 2006, a passenger on a flight from Thailand was apprehended with approximately two kilograms of heroin concealed in luggage. The fight goes on. We are winning the fight and we will continue the fight.