Police ask boaters to help spot criminal behaviour
The Australian Border Force says look out for signs of suspicious criminal behaviour involving boats and drugsOver the last 12 months, the Australian Border Force has been involved in the seizure of large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine from yachts and fishing vessels at sea.
We have been following this alarming development with the blow boats of a different kind for some time. You can read about some of the big fish caught in these stories about boating drug busts.
There have been plenty of cruising sailors heading across to Australia from South America, commercial fishers caught in local ports, Chinese seaman shipping coke, pretend anglers in small runabouts picking up packages, even a Spanish Navy Ship involved in large scale maritime drug smuggling.
Border Watch is asking all members of the boating community to be on the lookout for any suspicious activities and behaviours that may be an indicator of involvement in illegal activity. Step up and report suspects via the details below.
1. Are the owners/crew making any unusually large cash purchases?
2. Are the owners/crew purchasing excessive supplies?
3. Is the vessel owner requesting unusual modifications (e.g. extra fuel tanks, motors, bulkheads etc.)?
4. Does the customer or vessel owner appear to have a lack of knowledge about the local area and conditions or lack ability to operate the selected vessel?
5. Is the intended use of the vessel implausible, or is it being used at the wrong time of the year for its intended purpose?
6. Is the customer reluctant to provide identification?
7. Are there rumours about illegal activity involving a particular vessel or persons associated with the vessel?
8. Is the vessel only active during night hours, operating without navigation lights, departing at unusual times or in unsuitable weather conditions?
9. Do the owners / crew have encrypted communications equipment (eg. BlackBerry mobile phone)
10. Is the vessel damaged on its return to the dock (e.g. scrapes along sides, fender scuff marks, signs of hull attachments, missing or extra jerry cans etc.)?
11. Is the vessel riding too high or too low in the water?
12. Have you seen unusual activity around marinas, on beaches or in remote areas (e.g. hidden campsites, fuel/water dumps.)?
13. Is the vessel’s owner or crew enquiring about Australian Border Force, Police or other Law Enforcement agencies’ activities?
Report suspicious activity by calling 1800 06 1800, Freecall 24/7. You can remain anonymous and all information is treated confidentially.
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