The Hon Michael Keenan MP
Minister for Justice
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Counter Terrorism
His Excellency Mr Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana
Thai Minister for Justice
JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT
20 November 2017
The trade in illicit drugs has been dealt another blow, with the signing today of an extension of Taskforce Storm in Thailand.
In just 18 months, Taskforce Storm – which sees the Australian Federal Police (AFP) working with Thai authorities – has resulted in the seizure of more than three tonnes of drugs bound for Australian streets.
Taskforce Storm began in May 2016 when the Australian Federal Police entered into an agreement with :
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB)
The Royal Thai Police (RTP)
The Department of Special Investigations (DSI) and
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO).
Since then, Taskforce Storm has resulted in the seizure of 3005 kg of drugs in Thailand and 48 kg in Australia.
This led to the arrest of three people in Australia and one in Thailand.
Just last month, critical information received from Thai authorities through the AFP’s Bangkok Post and Taskforce Storm also led to the largest ever seizure of drug precursor chemicals at Australia’s borders.
Two operations resulted in three arrests and the seizure of 3.9 tonnes of liquid ephedrine concealed in bottles of green tea and 350 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in buckets of plaster.
- The agreement we have signed today will see the Taskforce’s work continue for at least another 12 months.
- Keeping up the fight against illicit drugs is one of our highest priorities as Ministers for Justice.
- The extension of this bi-lateral Joint Taskforce Agreement demonstrates the willingness of both our countries to tackle serious transnational organised crime threats.
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