Drugs and organised crime
A recent report by the Australian Crime Commission has linked organized crime with illicit drugs.
Whilst organized criminal groups are involved in illicit drug trafficking they are not linked to this crime alone but include activities like violence, corruption, fraud, money laundering and financial crimes.
Organized criminal groups are diverse, flexible and adaptable to changing threats and new opportunities.
Organized crime costs Australia in excess of $10 billion every year.
South-East Asian organized crime groups have an association with the importation of heroin and amphetamines.
Romanian and South American organized crime groups have an association with the importation of cocaine.
Organized criminal groups have access to the latest technology and professional facilitators to disguise their criminal proceeds.
They use expensive professionals to disguise criminal activity, protect themselves, keep up with technology and secure communication tools.
There is a growing influence of transnational organized crime so as to operate across national borders.
These international networks are used to access and move current illicit drugs, new types of drugs and drug production equipment.
The Australian Transactions and Analysis Centre in August 2007 estimates that $4.5 billion in crime proceeds is laundered every year.
This report should be read by EVERY Australian and is available from www.crimecommission.gov.au
(Source: Organised Crime in Australia, Australian Crime Commission, January 2008)
THE DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS-
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
11/2008
