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REPORT ON PERFORMANCE Customs Outcome | Output 1 | Output 2 | Output 3 | Output 4 | Output 5 OUTPUT 1 The facilitation of the legitimate movement of goods across the border, while intercepting prohibited and restricted imports and exports This output covers the processing of goods across the border, including:
in order to prevent the import or export of prohibited items and to control the movement of restricted items. Prohibited and restricted items include illicit drugs, weapons, pornography, unsafe products, therapeutic goods, wildlife, quarantine items and products that breach intellectual property rights. This output also covers the investigation and prosecutions of non-narcotic prohibited import and export offences. PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT Output Pricing Review The Output Pricing Review noted that Customs managed strong growth in air and sea cargo over the past five years (48 per cent for sea containers and 58 per cent for air cargo) through additional resources received under the National Illicit Drug Strategy and the re-allocation of resources following process improvement. The Review found Customs has low intervention rates as well as high success rates and concluded that Customs intelligence-driven approach to targeting and examinations is delivering a high standard of border control services. Figure 9: Performance Against Targets set in the 1999-2000 PBS - Output 1 #
Import and Export Entries Workload 2,738,661 import entries were lodged, an increase of 6.1 per cent compared to 1998-1999. Approximately 99 per cent of these entries were lodged electronically. Of these, almost 98 per cent were cleared within seconds of being lodged. Figure 10 shows the trend in the number of import and export entries finalised by Customs over the last three years. Export entries also increased by 6.1 per cent compared to 1998-1999 with 1 339 207 entries lodged. Figure 10: Import*/Export # Entries (million)
Seizures of Illicit Drugs The number of drug seizures increased by 38 per cent, the majority of this increase occurring in the 'other drug' category. The number of heroin, cocaine and ecstasy seizures all increased, while there was a slight decrease in the number of cannabis seizures. The weight of cocaine seized increased by 146 per cent, while the weight of ecstasy increased by 41 per cent. In contrast, the weight of heroin and cannabis seized declined by 47 per cent and 61 per cent respectively. While Customs endeavours to target higher end trafficking activities, investigations at this level are necessarily prolonged with a few large seizures making a substantial difference to seizure weights. In this context, it is worth noting that Customs made its largest ever seizures of cocaine and ecstasy and its second largest seizure of heroin. Close collaboration with partner agencies also contributed to several significant post-border seizures, including 88.9 kg of heroin in Sydney in February 2000. Customs also targets low and middle level trafficking activity, which accounts for the majority of seizures. Notable successes against middle level traffickers during 1999-2000 included 14.8 kg of heroin in an air cargo consignment and 14 kg of heroin concealed in the baggage of two air passengers. Figure 11: Summary of Drug Seizures *
*Seizures subject to ongoing investigation may not appear. Where a weight of a tablet for ecstasy is not available, an estimate of 0.29gm per tablet is used. ^ Includes seizures made from searches in air and sea cargo, and the international postal environment. # Includes seizures made from searches of sea passengers and crew, vessels and aircraft. 'Other' drugs refer to stimulants other than cocaine, narcotics/analgesics other than heroin, psychotropics/hallucinogens other than ecstasy or cannabis products, steroids and all depressants and sedatives. Estimated weight values are not shown as there is no consistent unit of measure available. Items in this category can be measured in grams, volume, dose unit or capsules. Figure 12: Drug Seizures and Significance of Offence*
* Figures may vary from those previously published due to adjustments arising from subsequent chemical analysis and information received from the AFP. Also, seizures subject to ongoing investigation (including controlled deliveries) may not appear. Weight shown may be net, gross or estimated. Where a weight of tablets for ecstasy was not available, an estimate of 0.29 g per tablet was used. # Rounding error accounts for discrepancy between data for total cocaine weight presented in Figures 11 and 12. Details of seizures of Performance Enhancing Drugs are at Figure 13. Major Drug Seizures On 1 February, Australia's largest seizure of cocaine was intercepted on a yacht which had arrived from New Zealand. Acting on intelligence received, Customs and Australian Federal Police maintained surveillance on the Ngaire Wha prior to its arrival at Broken Bay on the New South Wales central coast. Fifteen bales containing a total of 502 kg of cocaine were located in the cabin of the yacht. The AFP subsequently arrested six people associated with the importation. That seizure followed closely on the first detection in Australia of 115.5 kg of black cocaine on 20 January 2000. An air cargo consignment shipped from Brazil to Sydney containing four wooden boxes was found to contain garbage bags of a black substance that resembled lumps of dirt with a pungent odour. Ionscan swabs of the substance pointed to cocaine that had been camouflaged with chemicals to avoid detection by narcotic test kits and drug detector dogs. This was subsequently confirmed as the world's second largest seizure of black cocaine. On 21 October 1999, a shipping container of timber arriving in Sydney from Indonesia was selected for examination. Further inspection revealed a false bottom to the container, concealing a number of packages of heroin. The total weight of the shipment was 219 kg. The consignment was targeted for examination after significant analytical work prompted Customs and AFP to focus on the transaction. Early in January 2000, a container from The Netherlands arrived in Brisbane via Singapore. On advice from the AFP, Customs officers examined the container during which a large wooden crate was located - it contained 38 large metal hydraulic ram cylinders. Deconstruction of one of the cylinders revealed 2.5 kg of off-white tablets which proved to be ecstasy. A search of the remaining 37 cylinders revealed 9.1 kg of cocaine, 9.0 kg of ecstasy powder and 67.4 kg of ecstasy tablets. This was the largest single ecstasy tablet and powder detection - more than twice the amount of the previous largest detection. Interceptions of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs)Figure 13: Interceptions of PEDs*
_ includes seizures made from searches in air and sea cargo, and the international postal environment # includes seizures arising from post-border operations. Customs made a record number (1 125) of seizures of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). While seizures continued to trend upwards, the approximate doubling of seizures each year since 1994-1995 did not continue. Anabolic and androgenic substances available legally in other countries (eg. DHEA and androstenedione) continue to represent a significant (approx. 80 per cent) proportion of detections. These substances may be illegally imported (intentionally or otherwise) as orders placed through Internet sites based in these countries. Continuing the trend from 1998-1999, DHEA represented a decreased proportion of total PEDs seizures in 1999-2000, accounting for 46 per cent of the year's seizures. Steroids represented an increased proportion of seizures (48 per cent in 1999-2000 compared to 37 per cent in 1998-1999). Similarly, hormones represented six per cent of seizures in 1999-2000, up from five per cent in 1998-1999. This is a continuing trend since 1996-1997. Customs intercepted 18 large importations of greater than 1000 tablets. However, the majority of Customs seizures were minor amounts, often one to two bottles of 60 to 120 tablets. These imports were predominantly of DHEA and other products, which are widely advertised for their anti-ageing or general well being rather than performance enhancing effects and are legally available in some other countries. Technology such as the back-scatter x-rays, that are deployed at all international postal centres and airports, are contributing significantly to the detection of illegally imported PEDs. Investigation of Community Protection Cases Since the inception of the Government's Tough on Drugs in Sport Strategy, the number of cases of prohibited imports being investigated increased substantially. The number of community protection referrals increased from 280 in 1998-1999 to 593 in 1999-2000. In 1999-2000, 350 of these referrals were for importation of PEDs. Figure 14: Summary of Investigations of Community Protection Activities
* Includes cases adopted in previous years. The number of community protection
referrals adopted for investigation increased from 192 in 1998-1999 to
272 in 1999-2000, predominantly due to the increased PED referrals.
Referrals and cases relating to illegal importation of weapons, fauna
and A number of people were also successfully prosecuted for importing PEDs. It is anticipated that the number of referrals and subsequent cases will increase even further in 2000-2001. Significant Prosecution OutcomeIn December 1999, an individual was convicted on 12 counts of importing a prohibited import and nine counts of false statement for importing 12 packages containing various parts for firearms, including parts for automatic weapons. The parts were sent in small parcels and padded post bags to a number of addresses and post office boxes. The offender was fined $65 100, which included a penalty of $21 000 and costs of $44 000. Functions Performed On Behalf Of Other Agencies at Ports and Airports In addition to its core functions, Customs undertakes a number of functions on behalf of other government agencies. These include the Department of Health and Aged Care, AQIS, AFP, the NCA, Environment Australia and AUSTRAC. The following figure summarises results of finds on behalf of, and referrals to, other agencies arising from Customs processing of international air passengers. Figure 15: Summary of Finds/Referrals for International Air Passengers*
*A major find usually refers to an incident where a record of interview is conducted or prosecution action commenced. A minor find usually refers to an incident where a record of interview is not conducted or prosecution action is not commenced. # QIN refers to a Quarantine Infringement Notice. ^ Prohibited goods do not include seizures of illicit drugs. Intellectual Property (IP) Excellent results were achieved in non-Olympic IP seizures. In NSW alone the total number of individual items seized rose from 59 747 in 1998-1999 to 364 220 (in 1999-2000), an increase of more than 600 per cent. Goods related to children's entertainment and computer type games accounted for most of the increase. By seizing counterfeit or pirated merchandise Customs is ensuring that the Australian community receives authentic goods and the Australian industry's financial interests are protected. Customs received many letters of appreciation from industry. Clayton Utz in a written letter of appreciation to Customs CEO said:
Community Participation Programs Frontline Frontline is a cooperative program between Customs and industry groups involved in international trade and transport. It draws on the knowledge and expertise of industry to help identify illegal activity. The membership of Frontline continues to grow with 772 members on 30 June 2000. Members provided 671 referrals to Customs, resulting in the detection of 146 instances of illegal activity. The program has a strike rate of one detection from every five referrals. Some of the more significant results include several shipments of PEDs totalling over 8 700 tablets, undeclared currency in excess of $114 000, many smaller seizures of heroin, cocaine, cannabis and steroids, undeclared firearms and a number of attempted vessel desertions. Customs Watch Customs Watch encourages the public to Watch Out for Australia and report any unusual or suspicious activities to the 24-hour free phone number 1800 06 1800. There were in excess of 1 040 calls to this number and regional offices, and 61detections of illegal activity resulted. Phone calls to the Customs Watch number alerted Coastwatch to the arrival and approach of two suspect illegal entry vessels. Following an October 1999 call, Customs and other authorities quickly contained the unlawful arrival of 25 non-citizens and crew and removed them to an immigration detention centre. In December 1999, Customs quick response to a call from a pearl farmer prevented another vessel and its 58 non-citizen passengers from making unlawful landfall. Another report lead to the closure of an illegal laboratory and the detection of $50 000 of amphetamines, $37 000 of cannabis, 2 000 steroid tablets, 340 steroid vials and $34 000 cash. Other significant results include a consignment of 86 reptiles being exported, a number of attempted vessel desertions, many small seizures of cannabis and several reports on the sale of imitation collector cards. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: Facilitation of Goods as a Result of the East Timor Conflict Darwin was the staging point for United Nations international assistance to East Timor. During the period of turmoil in East Timor Customs contributed a rotation of staff from various regional operational areas to support local personnel. Customs also assisted all agencies in the smooth importation and exportation of both medical and humanitarian aid. Customs worked closely with relevant organisations including the Department of Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Attorney General's Department to ensure that movements of personnel and goods complied with Customs and quarantine requirements. Regulatory changes were made to provide International Forces East Timor (INTERFET) and United Nations Transitional Administration East Timor (UNTAET) with the same permit exemptions available to other visiting defence forces. Tough on Drugs - Centre of Expertise - Search Customs received funding through the Tough on Drugs Strategy to establish a Centre of Expertise to train specialist ship and aircraft search teams. After skills-acquisition in best practice ship search techniques from the United Kingdom and Canada, a select group of Customs officers developed the Australian training package and conducted the inaugural training course in November 1999. With 21 specialist graduates in place, the Centre took on a new direction with the introduction of basic ship search training. Trainers conducted:
Additional safety equipment was integrated into the new ship search practices and an external Occupational Health and Safety training provider endorsed both the Centre's equipment and practices. Research also commenced on the development of an aircraft search program. Tough on Drugs in Sport Strategy Customs supply reduction measures
continue to form an integral part of the Government's anti-doping
strategy, Tough on Drugs in Sport
(http://www.isr.gov.au/sport/tough_on_drugs_in_spor
t Customs developed protocols to govern this passage of information under section 16 of the Customs Administration Act 1985. These protocols, which include a regular review requirement, are designed to protect the privacy and operational security of this sensitive information. Customs also assisted ASDA and ASC in their development of procedures for handling the information. The protocols were implemented on 23 March 2000. Customs also increased its delivery of education/awareness sessions in PEDs to officers under the Tough on Drugs in Sport Strategy through a variety of training and awareness tools including:
Performance Enhancing Drug Additions to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations Customs works closely with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and ASDA to ensure that wherever possible, substances that are banned in sport are also prohibited imports. On 9 September 1999, the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) was added to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations. As EPO has legitimate medical uses,
its importation is now subject to a new Customs Legislative Amendment (Criminal Sanctions and Other Measures) Act 2000 This Act and associated regulations took effect from 26 May 2000. The amendments contained in this Act:
Figure 16: Penalties for Importing Trafficable or Commercial Quantities of Narcotics*
Permit Issuing Agencies Customs focussed on the development of liaison and education programs with export Permit Issuing Agencies (PIAs). PIAs in the export environment include the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation, the Wheat Export Authority and the Department of Communication, Information Technology and the Arts. PIAs have gained a greater understanding of Customs role in the export environment. As a result of this enhanced understanding many of the 16 export PIAs are now seeking increased Customs activity. International Trade FacilitationCustoms was involved in a number of initiatives aimed at facilitating international trade. The aim of this work is to put in place universally consistent, coherent and transparent customs procedures to enhance certainty for Australian exporters, minimise their transaction costs, speed up trade flows and potentially open up new markets. Of particular importance was Australia's acceptance of the revised International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonisation of Customs Procedures (also known as the Kyoto Convention). Customs was heavily involved with
the WCO and its members in reviewing and drafting the revised
Convention. The Minister for Justice and Customs signed the Convention in Brussels on behalf of the Government on 18 April 2000. Australia was the fifth country to sign the revised treaty however an instrument of ratification must be lodged before Australia will be legally bound by the revised text. This is expected to occur in late September 2000. The revised Convention will enter into force once 40 of the existing 61 contracting parties have accepted it. The WCO expects this to occur towards the end of 2001.
Improving Intelligence Capability Customs employs an intelligence-driven, risk management approach to identify illegal movements of goods and people across the border. The trend towards increased detections can be attributed to better cooperation between Customs, the intelligence community and law enforcement agencies and improved intelligence capability and technology acquisition. Customs introduced a new National Intelligence System. It is a central repository and analysis tool and provides secure access to internal and external information sources. Additionally, the Intelligence Branch began developing guidelines to standardise reporting and initiatives to disseminate information more effectively within Customs. Customs further developed its capacity to generate and use intelligence under its Strategic Assessment Program and has experienced an increasing demand for strategic assessments. Border Technology Customs maintained its commitment to the ongoing identification of leading edge technology that can be applied to the detection and identification of drugs and other prohibited goods. A major exercise began to identify the most appropriate x-ray equipment to assist in the detection of narcotics in fully laden shipping containers. The ionscan particle trace detector again proved itself to be one of the more successful technology driven initiatives. Ionscan played an integral role in the detection and identification of the first Australian seizure of black cocaine. The success of the technology has led to an increase in deployed units to 51 nationally, including a total upgrade to the latest model and the introduction of a highly successful training and certification program for Customs operators. Covert cargo examination facilities have been built as part of the Government's Tough on Drugs Strategy. The facilities utilise detection technology including ionscan, x-ray, drug detector dogs, evidence examination areas and other sophisticated equipment. Ongoing evaluations include portable x-ray units and technology that might be useful in the identification of PEDs. Radio Communications in the Torres Strait Customs secure radio communications network in the Torres Strait began operation in December 1999. It provides secure, reliable communications between law enforcement officers including ground staff, aircraft and vessels. Customs simultaneously upgraded the existing community radio network to provide enhanced safety features for the local residents and maximise the benefits of the new radio infrastructure. Waterfront Closed Circuit Television Surveillance A major project to provide closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance to 24 major seaports around Australia (in addition to three ports already with CCTV surveillance) continued during the year. The first port, Brisbane, was commissioned in April 2000. Remaining ports are being commissioned and added to the network as installation work is completed. A 24 hour monitoring centre is being established in Melbourne. The introduction of this system will enhance Customs capability to manage risks at seaports both during and after hours. Operational and Intelligence efforts will be improved and the introduction of the surveillance network will serve as a deterrent to those who would engage in illegal activity. Detector Dog Program Customs has 42 operational detector dogs nationally, with teams located in each capital city and Cairns. Dogs are one of a range of narcotic detection tools, including x-ray and ionscan technology, available to Customs for use in a variety of circumstances. They are particularly useful for mass screening of articles, people, and large areas, and to indicate whether further examination, such as unpack of containers, is required. During the year, detector dogs provided operational support to a number of Customs activities and police agencies. Two seizures of note were:
Detector Dog Breeding Program The Detector Dog Breeding Program
continues to attract national and international attention as a centre of
excellence in its field. As well as supplying Customs with quality
candidates for training, the program was able to donate dogs, including
to New South Wales Police in connection with their Olympic security
responsibilities. The centre has an international partner arrangement
with United States (US) Customs, and is discussing methods of broadening
the international gene pool with two other US establishments. |
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