Tri-state operation to tackle trafficking

Police from South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory say they will develop informants under a new strategy to combat the trafficking of petrol, alcohol and drugs in central Australia.

The Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk was launched in Alice Springs this morning by senior police from the three jurisdictions.

The Federal Government has backed the 12-month trial with $500,000 worth of funding.

Commander Mark Coffey from Northern Territory Police says it is a historic day for policing in central Australia.

"To come up with a strategy in a cross-border region that works across states to target substance abuse," he said.

The strategy will develop intelligence gathered by police and community members in the cross-border regions on trafficking movements.

It will include intelligence and investigations officers based in Alice Springs.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Thur, 19 January 2006
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
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