Dutch Ecstasy flood might burst the dyke

“The ability of the Australian Federal Police to detect a flood of Dutch ecstasy en-route for Australia as reported in the media today might be in jeopardy with Homeland Security Minister Bob Debus confirming AFP budget cuts,” Christopher Pyne, the Shadow Minister for Justice and Border Protection said today.

“Mr Debus on the weekend confirmed that the AFP budget would be cut some $24 million,” Mr Pyne said.

“While seen in the context of a billion dollar budget this might seem small, the AFP is already stretched with the extraordinary demands of international operations combating terrorism as well as domestic operations,” he said.

“Some analysts have suggested there has been a shift within the AFP from fighting organised crime and the drug trade to focusing more intently on combating terrorism, contributing to a reported increase in the quantity and purity of Afghan heroin entering Australia.

“Now is not the time to be cutting funds to the AFP.

“The Federal Opposition calls on the Government to secure the funding base for the AFP in the upcoming budget.

“Stamping out the supply of illicit drugs in Australia is vital in protecting young people from their debilitating effects,” Mr Pyne said.

10th April 2008

Media Contact: Adam Howard 0400 414 833