A ‘HIGH visibility operation’ aimed at detecting and disrupting organised crime has been held at Port Kembla.
Some 25 Australian Border Force officers from NSW Maritime Operations, Regional Investigations, the Dog Detector Unit, along with officers from Aviation and Maritime Security did a crew and ship search on a vessel docked at the port and associated landside inspections.
Operation Wallstone involved ABF officers boarding and searching a vessel and ensuring crew on board met customs and immigration requirements.
An ABF Island Class vessel was also deployed to conduct searches and compliance checks on small craft and tug boats.
ABF Maritime and Detained Goods Superintendent Graeme Campbell said ensuring Australia’s ports are secure was a priority.
“The ABF has a strong presence at Australia’s busy seaports. With essential goods arriving at ports daily, officers are committed to keeping the economy moving, while also ensuring our borders remain strong,” Superintendent Campbell said.
“This operation highlights the ABF’s dedication to tackle illegal activity and criminal infiltration at the nation’s ports. The ABF is also committed to making sure arriving vessels and their crew adhere to federal legislation, which is essential during a pandemic.”
