A number of Federal Agencies have joined forces with the South Australian Police (SAPOL) to target the supply and distribution of methylamphetamine in the State and reduce the illegal drug’s significant impact on the State’s community.
The South Australian Joint Agency Ice Strike Team (JAIST) is being led by SAPOL and comprises members of the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Taxation Office, Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).
Acting Deputy Commissioner of SAPOL, Scott Duval welcomed the increased focus the new taskforce would bring, highlighting the new locally-based team’s strong ability to target groups producing, importing or trafficking drugs in both metropolitan and regional areas.
“The JAIST will achieve really positive outcomes across South Australia, including in rural and isolated areas where the impacts of methylamphetamine can be magnified,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duval said.
“In recent times, we have made significant progress in reducing the supply of methylamphetamine to our community, from shutting down clandestine drug laboratories to dismantling local drug trafficking rings.”
However, he realised there was an insatiable demand for the illicit drug across the State and that criminal networks would continue to use every means possible to import and manufacture the harmful substance and profit from the community.
“The JAIST will help give SAPOL a competitive edge over these criminal groups, helping to support both our community’s health and general law and order,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duval said.
