AFP commissioner urges ‘conversation’ about link between Australians’ level of illicit drug use and organised crime
Krissy Barrett’s call comes after recent murders in Sydney linked to organised crime included two cases of mistaken identity in one week.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett has urged for a nationwide discussion about the connection between Australians' illicit drug usage and the surge in organised crime violence. Her recent article in The Nightly highlighted the recent murders in Sydney, where two incidents of mistaken identity occurred within a week.
Barrett emphasized the urgent need to address the dangers of illicit drug use, its link to organised crime violence, and its impact on national security. She expressed concern over the high prices Australians are willing to pay for these drugs. At the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group Annual Principals Meeting, many participants acknowledged the difficulty in capturing public attention on the perils of illicit drug use.
However, Barrett noted that recent shocking shootings, including mistaken identity incidents, might have compelled Australians to engage in this crucial dialogue. She made it clear that this is not merely a NSW issue, but a nationwide concern, as similar tragedies have transpired in other states. In response to the two mistaken identity killings, the New South Wales government announced plans to implement life sentences for individuals planning gang-related murders, as well as adult sentences for youths committing such acts.
The government will introduce these measures into parliament this week and expects them to be enacted by October. Barrett pointed out that many criminal gangs in Australia are attracted to products that generate substantial profits, with some involved in cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin trafficking also engaged in illicit tobacco importations.
The criminal gig economy is increasingly relying on Australian youth for their criminal activities, with many participants being as young as early teens. These young offenders often lack impulse control and may exhibit more recklessness compared to older criminals. Additionally, Barrett warned that organised crime can exploit artificial intelligence (AI) to evade law enforcement detection.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
