The Australian Border Force (ABF) is on the front lines of a different kind of battle, one that takes place in the shadows of our airports and tests the integrity of those who work within the aviation industry. In an exclusive behind-the-scenes look, 7NEWS has shed light on the meticulous efforts of the ABF’s Targeted Operations Team, whose mission is to root out corruption and prevent the exploitation of the aviation sector by drug smuggling syndicates.
Australia’s high demand and willingness to pay top dollar for illicit drugs make it a prime target for international drug syndicates. These criminal organisations are constantly on the lookout for vulnerabilities within the aviation industry, seeking to recruit insiders who have access to secure areas and sensitive information. The stakes are high, and the ABF is well aware of the allure that big money offers can have on individuals working in and around Australian airports.
The Targeted Operations Team operates with precision and vigilance, focusing on the concept of ‘trusted insiders’ – those individuals who, due to their roles, have the potential to abuse their access for nefarious purposes. During a demonstration for 7NEWS, the team showcased their containment strategy on an aircraft, ensuring that no cargo or baggage could be tampered with, and nothing illegal was smuggled off or hidden inside the plane.
Every person involved with the aircraft, from the cleaners to the pilots and flight attendants, is under close surveillance. Officers meticulously inspect the interior walls and ceilings of the hold for any signs of tampering, and sniffer dogs are deployed to detect even the smallest traces of drugs. These dogs are trained to sniff out areas frequently touched by crew members, such as seats, galleys, and crew accommodations.
Recent incidents have underscored the reality of this threat. An Australian flight attendant was caught with four litres of the date-rape drug GBL concealed in shampoo bottles, and two baggage handlers at Sydney Airport were arrested for removing 100 kilograms of cocaine from a flight originating in South Africa. These cases are stark reminders of the lengths to which criminal enterprises will go to infiltrate the aviation industry.
The ABF remains vigilant, with officers trained to spot the red flags of corruption, such as criminal associations and personal drug use. They are also attuned to unusual behaviour among workers, such as being present in areas without authorisation or showing up for work when not rostered on.
The message from the ABF is clear: at the border, everyone is a potential target for scrutiny. The integrity of the aviation industry is paramount, and the ABF’s relentless pursuit of corrupt insiders is a testament to its commitment to protecting Australia’s borders and its citizens.
What’s your take on the Australian Border Force’s approach to combating insider corruption in the aviation industry? Let us know your opinion in the comments below!
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They probably find about 10% of the corruption.
And who knows they might even be corrupt themselves.
Cost of living pressures are hurting otherwise honest people, and some then do things they would not normally do. This goes right across society.