Online Training Helps Maritime Professionals Recognize Signs of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking remains one of the most lucrative and devastating crimes in the world, second only to the illicit drug trade. Today, an estimated 50 million people are living in modern slavery.To combat this crisis, Invisible Traffick, a Northern Ireland–based charity, is providing both in-person and online training to help maritime professionals recognize the warning signs of human trafficking and make the invisible, visible.Invisible Traffick’s founder and CEO, Gayle Bunting…
Seafarer Charged with Meth Importation
A Tanzanian national has appeared in the Port Adelaide Magistrate's Court in Australia charged with the alleged importation of 3kg of methamphetamine into Australia.An investigation started on November 8 after a security officer contracted by Flinders Ports at Port Adelaide stopped the cargo ship crew member, 50, for a random baggage inspection as he left for shore leave.Three suspicious packages containing a crystal-like substance were found in a backpack the man was carrying.
High Visibility Border Patrol Conducted at Australian Port
The Australian Border Force (ABF) led a week of action in Portland last month, targeting criminal infiltration along Victoria's south-west coastline.The high visibility activity forms part of a broader operation to prevent organized crime groups from using the Australian border as a means for illegal activity, including trafficking illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine.The week of action also focused on the threat of trusted insiders and involved community engagement to spread awareness of the Border Watch program…
Australian Border Force Seizes Seven Foreign Fishing Vessels
Over the past month, Australian Border Force (ABF) has destroyed seven foreign vessels and detained the crews after they were allegedly caught fishing illegally in waters off northern Australia.Authorities seized a combined total of 1,930kg of sea cucumber, 2,844kg of other catch as well as assorted fishing equipment.All vessels have been destroyed in accordance with Australian law and the crews brought to Darwin for investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority…
Australia and PNG Complete Joint Cross Border Patrol
The Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police Service, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) authorities have successfully completed the latest Joint Cross Border Patrol in the Torres Strait.Running from September 22 to 27, officers visited communities in Daru, Sigabadaru and Ture Ture in PNG, and Saibai and Boigu Islands in the Torres Strait.The joint activity forms part of Australia and PNG's shared mission to protect the border from threats such as drugs and firearms trafficking…
Joint Australia and Indonesia Operation Strengthens Fisheries Patrol
Australian and Indonesian authorities have jointly patrolled 24,000 square nautical miles of ocean to the north of Australia during a week-long operation to combat illegal maritime activity in the region.The annual joint patrol aims to improve coordination between Australian and Indonesian authorities to deter, detect and respond to illegal maritime activities, including illegal foreign fishing. Six vessels were boarded during the operation.Operation JAWLINE ARAFURA ran from September…
UK Border Force Patrol Boat Workers Mull Strike
Border Force workers on patrol in the English Channel, whose job includes searching for small boats carrying migrants, will be balloted over strike action, a union statement on Friday said.More than 120 Border Force Maritime workers will be balloted over whether to walk-out in a dispute over frozen allowances and terms and conditions, the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said.The ballot is open until October 17.As part of government Border Force patrols, the workers' duties include searching for vessels at sea and identifying boats engaged in smuggling as well as small boats crossin
