The Minister for Home Affairs Bob Debus has introduced new laws into Federal Parliament that will strengthen border enforcement powers for Customs officers.

"Under current laws, Customs officers can board a ship or aircraft to search for weapons, drugs and other prohibited items that may be concealed on board.

"If evidence such as drugs are found, officers can arrest the people on board, but they haven't had the power to immediately search anyone on board a suspicious vessel or aircraft.

"Customs officers have increasingly faced situations where there's resistance to them boarding foreign ships suspected of being involved in illegal activities.

"These situations also often mean evidence is disposed of before it can be secured by Customs.

 "The new powers are appropriate as they'll significantly reduce the threat of harm to officers while helping prevent escapes and the destruction or disposal of evidence," Mr Debus said.

In the latest action, Customs and Victoria Police have significantly disrupted attempts to export more than 30 tonnes of allegedly stolen copper with an estimated valued of $2.7 million.

To date, Victoria Police have arrested nine people in connection with the attempted exportations.

In the most recent seizures Customs identified two containers bound for Asia allegedly containing a significant quantity of stolen copper wire. This follows the recovery of 8.3 tonnes of copper wire earlier this month.

These export detections are believed to be part of Victoria's largest copper theft racket and the latest seizures and arrests form part of an on-going two-year investigation by Victoria Police.
 
Transit Safety Division - Divisional Response Unit Acting Detective Sergeant Barry Hills said police were extremely pleased with the result.

"We believe the results-to-date will have a significant impact on copper theft syndicates operating in and around Melbourne.

"We are confident we have identified a number of key players whose illegal activities have ceased as a direct result of our investigations," Acting Detective Sergeant Hills said.

This week's seizures are the result of targeted searches of export containers by Customs at its Melbourne Customs Examination Facility.

Customs national manager cargo operations south Graham Krisohos said the results highlighted the benefits of ongoing close cooperation between Customs and Victoria Police.

"Customs efforts in screening export cargo have played a key role in this latest breakthrough," Mr Krisohos said.

Copper theft has been identified as a major issue affecting public transport as police believe the majority of the wire was stolen from railway networks.

  HOT PRODUCTS

Toyota Material Handling Australia Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) is poised to launch a new range of 1.5 to 3 tonne rated capacity at 500mm load centre four-wheel counter-balance battery electric forklifts.  more»

Internal Combustion Pneumatic Tyres Forklifts - 4.0 - 5.5 Tonnes Mitsubishi GRENDIA Series Forklift, the Next generation, higher performance machine Outstanding performance...exceptional value for money.  more»

Involved in Logistics or Supply Chain Management? If you are involved in logistics or supply chain management, and looking to advance your career, this internationally recognised qualification can provide you with the relevant skills for your future.  more»

Future Proof your Logistics Career Today What does the future hold?  more»

Exquisitely Orchestrated Execution Infor10 Supply Chain Execution – a single solution with one version of the truth so that everyone is moving in the same direction at the same time.  more»

Oracle Live Webcast: Effective HR in Manufacturing Turn Strategy into Action in Manufacturing with Effective HR  more»

2012 National Challenge - Start Date: 16th APRIL, 2012 The Fresh Connection is an advanced web-based business simulation that challenges participants to work together as a team to demonstrate and improve their knowledge of the Value Chain.  more»

100% Error-Free Picking with KiSoft Vision KiSoft Vision combined with the corresponding processes, ensures 100% error-free order picking. By using augmented reality technology KiSoft Vision visualizes information at the exact time and location the operator needs it, through a head mounted display  more»

Click here to view more Hot Products

Looking for a particular product?   Advanced Search.

  T&L PUBLICATIONS

	MHD Supply Chain Solutions Has been the industry leader for more than 30 years. It is the reference guide for professionals striving for effective end-to-end supply chain management...
	Diesel A bi-monthly magazine that has shaken up the Australian road transport magazine sector with sharp news stories and bold feature articles on the diverse character of the Australian trucking market...