FESTIVAL DRUG PEDLARS PURSUED
DRUG traffickers bound for Schoolies are the target of a major Federal Police operation under way at Melbourne Airport.
Drug detection dogs are being used by Australian Federal Police to inspect suspicious travellers flying to party hot spots in Queensland and NSW.
Sixteen people were searched during a two-day drug blitz at the airport last week.
Five prohibited items, including credit card knives, and four false identification cards were located.
Each of the items were confiscated and cautions issued.
The drug operation involves members of the Australian Federal Police, including the K-9 unit, and Australian Border Force.
And it will continue over the next fortnight as schoolies return home.
AFP detective Acting Superintendent Stephen Reeves-Williams said the impact of drugs on young people “cannot be overstated”.
“It destroys the lives of kids and their families,” he said.
About 1000 young people and their family members were spoken to as part of the operation.
They were warned about the dangers of taking drugs and penalties associated with trafficking.
“It is important to deter and disrupt anyone carrying drugs for sale to kids up there,” said Acting Supt Reeves-Williams.
Those whose behaviour changed in the domestic screening area were assessed for further inspection.
Airport Uniform Policing detective Acting Station Sergeant Jessica GilmoreOfficer
believed the highvisibility operation may have deterred other passengers from flying with illegal items.
“Although we didn’t seize any drugs, it’s likely those attending the airport told their friends not to bring anything through because of our presence,” she said.
“They could have turned around and left the area.”
Acting Station Sergeant Gilmore-Officer said those carrying credit card knives said they didn’t think they were illegal or wanted them for “protection”.
“If this was used in a public space, a lot of harm could be done,” Acting Supt ReevesWilliams said.
The fake identification cards were seized from underage kids who planned to buy alcohol and enter licensed venues.
Police notified their parents and issued formal warnings.