The Australian Border Force (ABF) has brought attention to a concerning trend where smugglers are increasingly using legitimate commercial shipments to hide narcotics. This issue was highlighted during a recent virtual training session with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), where advanced smuggling techniques employed by traffickers in the international supply chain were the focus of discussion.
FRCS representatives noted that smugglers are adeptly concealing drugs within cargo containers from the port of origin to their final destination, employing sophisticated strategies that evade detection. Techniques reported include using counterfeit seals and tampering with original container seals, as well as the “rip-on/riff-off” method, which involves traffickers accessing containers without disturbing the legitimate cargo inside.
The training underscored various concealment strategies, notably the “coke on a rope” technique, where drugs are concealed in compartments of refrigerated containers. Customs officials emphasized that these methods are being detected more frequently during targeted inspections, highlighting the importance of risk profiling and prioritization in customs operations.
In response to the growing threat, FRCS officers are committed to enhancing their inspection capabilities by deploying both intrusive and non-intrusive techniques. This includes thorough examinations and deconstruction of flagged cargo to prevent illicit drug concealment. The organization aims to conduct targeted operations to investigate void spaces within shipping containers as part of its strategy to combat cross-border criminal activities.
The collaborative training session was led by Superintendent Uriah Turner and his ABF colleagues, marking a significant advancement in information sharing and joint operations between the agencies. In an act of support, ABF donated two advanced “Snake Eye” inspection devices to the FRCS, which will aid in inspecting high-risk shipments and bolster border control efforts.
FRCS expressed its appreciation for ABF’s generous contribution and reaffirmed its commitment to utilizing technology and intelligence-driven strategies to detect and disrupt traffickers attempting to exploit legitimate trade routes for smuggling drugs and other illegal substances. This partnership signifies a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking in the region, ultimately contributing to enhanced public safety.
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