Organised crime syndicates trafficking drugs and exploiting vulnerable communities through the Torres Strait are being put on notice, with the launch of a new joint federal–state taskforce aimed at strengthening Australia’s northern defences.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett joined Queensland Police Service Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius in Cairns to announce the North Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF), which began operations in January and already has several investigations under way.

The taskforce will target organised criminals using the Torres Strait as a gateway to move methamphetamine, cocaine and other illicit commodities allegedly stockpiled across the Pacific. It will also focus on crimes including sexual servitude, forced labour and people smuggling — offences authorities say disproportionately harm vulnerable communities in Australia’s region.

Commissioner Barrett said intelligence suggested significant quantities of drugs had been warehoused in the Pacific for years, giving crime syndicates what she described as “reliable and easy access to dangerous drugs on the doorstep of Australia”.

“We believe there are tonnes of illicit commodities that have been stockpiled in the Pacific over many years,” she said.

“Vulnerability and profitability are key drivers for organised crime, as is low risk and high reward. This new taskforce bolsters security at our border and dramatically increases the risk for organised crime.”

She pointed to so-called “black flights” landing on remote regional airstrips and the porous border between Papua New Guinea and North Queensland as factors demanding a stronger and more visible law enforcement presence.

“It requires a supercharged focus on identifying targets who are the greatest threats to Australia’s national security, sovereignty and future prosperity,” Commissioner Barrett said, adding that organised criminals posed a direct threat to Australia’s sovereignty.

Raising concerns from First Nations leaders in the Torres Strait and Bamaga, she said there was growing alarm about increased youth drug use linked to trafficking through the region.

“The damaging and long-term consequences of consuming illicit commodities has a devastating effect on our young people, who are our future,” she said.

“We are coming for them.”

The seven-member team will be based in Cairns and draw on the combined powers and capabilities of the AFP, QPS, the Australian Border Force and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. It will also leverage international intelligence partnerships, including INTERPOL and the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group.

The taskforce will work closely with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, as well as tap into intelligence from AFP-led Taskforce Thunder, which partners with Pacific Island law enforcement agencies to disrupt organised crime exploiting cultural and traditional movement links between Australia and the Pacific.

Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said the initiative built on longstanding inter-agency cooperation in the Torres Strait, despite the unique challenges posed by the region’s remoteness.

“We maintain a strong policing presence in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area, and are committed to ensuring community safety.”

Taking a zero-tolerance stance, he warned that those trafficking drugs, weapons or engaging in exploitation could expect swift consequences.

“The North Queensland JOCTF will enhance our ability to prevent, detect and disrupt offending, and protect vulnerable members of our community,” Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said.

“Anyone causing harm to Queenslanders can expect to be arrested and put before a court.”

The JOCTF model, already operating in several states and territories, brings together policing, law enforcement and government agencies in a coordinated effort to dismantle organised crime networks — with North Queensland now firmly in its sights.

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