A federal law enforcement taskforce has started cracking down on organised crime on the Brisbane waterfront. It was previously operating in Sydney and Melbourne.
Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said Taskforce Jericho, comprising Australian Federal Police officers plus personnel from Customs, the Australian Crime Commission, Australian Tax Office and AUSTRAC, would target organised cargo crime in Brisbane.
Mr Clare said Taskforce Jericho was a version of Taskforce Polaris which was established in July 2010 to investigate organised crime on the Sydney waterfront.
AAP reports its work resulted in 44 arrests and 196 charges, the seizure of 199 tonnes or $A77 million worth of illegal tobacco, $A1 million in cash and 11 firearms.
Taskforce Trident was launched in Melbourne in July 2012. It led to 16 arrests and the seizure of 71 tonnes or $A61 million worth of illegal tobacco.
