Monday, 25 November 2013
The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Scott Morrison, has commended Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) officers' efforts to bring the community's attention to school students being targeted to collect parcels on behalf of other people.
Earlier this year while executing warrants in New South Wales (NSW), ACBPS officers uncovered details of two Sydney-based high school students who were allegedly recruited to collect parcels containing an illegal substance in exchange for money.
The high school students were allegedly paid a few hundred dollars to accept the international mail parcels, on behalf of another person, and then pass on the package to the person(s) responsible for the importation.
'Customs and Border Protection officers work at the frontline every day to stop illicit drugs from entering the community,' Mr Morrison said.
'Customs and Border Protection officers have been working with teachers, students and parents to provide education about becoming the target of crime and to warn of the risks associated with collecting unknown parcels for payment.
'Criminals using students to transfer drugs are despicable and obviously have no regard for the future of those students.
'Strengthening our borders is not just about people smuggling. There are many threats. This Government will be eternally vigilant to address the challenges that present at our borders so that our borders are protected and Australians are protected behind those borders,' Mr Morrison said.
Members of the community are encouraged to provide any information or concerns about someone they know who may be involved in this activity to Customs Watch.
Telephone: 1800 06 1800
URL:http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/sm/2013/sm209771.htm
Last update: Tuesday, 26 November 2013 at 14:54 AEST