The AFP’s international network has helped stop 45kg of methamphetamine from reaching Australian streets after a joint operation with police in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia.
AFP Detective Sergeant Jarryd Dunbar, based in Kuala Lumpur, said the AFP’s global liaison network was critical to disrupting drug trafficking operations.
“AFP officers are based in 33 countries and are committed to working with our foreign law enforcement partners to disrupt criminal operations before they reach Australia and wreak havoc on our community,” he said.
“Taskforce Tiger is a great example of how real-time intelligence-sharing and increased cooperation can create a hostile environment for criminals looking to traffic drugs. It’s particularly galling for them when it can’t even get into their destination country.”
“It’s been a year since Taskforce Tiger was formalised, and since then we have prevented more than 1.7 tonnes of illicit drugs reaching the Australian community.”
The investigation began in early November 2025, when the AFP’s UAE Post received intelligence from the Dubai Police Anti-Narcotics Unit about a suspicious consignment from Afghanistan bound for Victoria. The tip-off was immediately shared with AFP officers in Kuala Lumpur, who identified the container transiting through Port Klang, Malaysia.
Under the AFP–Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) Taskforce Tiger partnership, Malaysian authorities were alerted and asked to assist. RMP officers inspected the container on 7 November 2025 and found 45kg of methamphetamine hidden in the superstructure. The haul could have fetched an estimated $41 million on Australian streets.
Investigations are continuing into the overseas organised crime groups behind the failed importation.
RMP Director CP Dato’ Hussein bin Omar Khan thanked the AFP for the timely intelligence, noting that Malaysia continued to be targeted as a transit hub by international drug syndicates.
“This successful interdiction reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the RMP to disrupt and dismantle transnational drug trafficking networks operating across borders.”
He said the strong partnership through Taskforce Tiger — along with vital support from the Dubai Anti-Narcotics Unit — demonstrated how joint intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement could stop dangerous drugs from reaching communities.
Taskforce Tiger was formalised at the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow on 6 November 2024 during a bilateral meeting between AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM and RMP Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin bin Husain.
Note: For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015. Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online. For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
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