VIGILANCE FAILS TO STEM DRUGS

IMPORTATIONS into Australia of heroin and cocaine are on the rise
despite a crackdown by authorities.

The 1997-1998 annual report of the Australian Federal Police shows an
increase street demand for illicit drugs is driving the climb in
importation rates.

Police seizures of illicit drugs also showed that they were being sold
more cheaply but purity rates were higher.

The report identified resource constraints, high attrition rates and
cuts in government funding as hindering the force's capacity to
perform its role.

"Although Australia's island status is in some respects an advantage,
it also presents substantial problems," the report said.

"Australia must police one of the world's longest and most sparsely
populated coastlines and one of the most extensive economic exclusion
zones."

"Indications are that importations of all these drugs (heroin and
cocaine) are increasing."

"These increases are due to increased demand and to the rapid increase
in trade flows, immigration and tourism."

But the report highlighted major seizures of cannabis had slowed the
importation of the drug.

The report comes after Customs officers made Australia's second
largest seizure of ecstasy tablets on Wednesday night and the 400kg
heroin haul near Port Macquarie nine days ago.

AFP Commissioner Mick Palmer said Australia must remain vigilant to
stamp out drug importation.

"There is little doubt that criminal groups and networks,
sophisticated and unsophisticated, are in an excellent position to
exploit instability in our region to their own advantage," he said.

During 1997-98, Victoria recorded its largest seizures of heroin and
ecstasy.

Melbourne Customs officers seized 32kg of heroin hidden in tins of
water chestnuts which resulted in three people arrested.

More than 7kg of ecstasy tablets were found in an inflatable air
mattress, concealed in a passenger's suitcase. Five people were
arrested over the incident.

The report listed drugs being imported through a variety of methods
including hiding them in water pumps, furniture, body vests, girdles,
shampoo bottles and crystal pottery.

Other operations the report detailed included:

SECURITY threats to Workplace Relations Minister Peter Reith and the
Governor-General Sir William Deane saw personal police protection
assigned to the high-profile figures.

A VICTORIAN man charged with 18 offences under legislation to nab
Australian paedophiles who travel overseas for the child prostitution
trade.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry