Archived Media Release
Minister for Home Affairs
The Hon Brendan O’Connor MP

17 March 2011

Combatting drug trafficking and terrorism in our region

The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today presented the Indonesian Directorate General of Customs and Excise with a detector that can pick up traces of explosives and narcotics.

Minister O’Connor is visiting Indonesia this week to discuss mutual cooperation on managing maritime threats and improving regional security.

The Ionscan 500DT dual purpose trace detection machine will be based in Jakarta.

“This $76,000 detection device will help Indonesian Customs officers to more easily and comprehensively detect traces of explosives and narcotics,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Indonesia and Australia are not alone - countries across the world are subjected to drug trafficking and terrorism attempts,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Law enforcement technology, such as this detection machine, are an important part of the global fight against terrorism and drug trafficking,” he said.

“As criminals become more sophisticated in their attempts to commit transnational crime, we must also step up our detection and interception methods.”

Australian Customs and Border Protection officers will provide Indonesian Customs officers with training in the use of the machine, to ensure Indonesian officers can use the technology to its full potential.

“The contribution of this detection machine is another part of Australia and Indonesia’s close cooperation and focus on improving security in our region,” Mr O’Connor said.

“This productive relationship will assist both our countries to deal with risks to our respective borders and better protect our citizens,” he said.

Today's presentation builds on past contributions to Indonesian Customs of technology for use at key air and sea ports in the region. This includes the recent handover of another Ionscan machine and associated training to officers in Medan.

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