Drugs, explosives in mail can't be detected, Australia Post says

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-27/australia-post-'has-no-way-to-detect-drugs,-explosives'/7664922


The extraordinary admission was made in a letter written in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request lodged by ABC News.

The request sought details of any investigations into illegal drugs being sent through the post.

"Australia Post has an obligation to inform relevant authorities should it suspect the presence of illegal goods in mail items, but lacks the technology or equipment to detect [such goods]," the letter said.

"Australia Post does not have, for example, sniffer dogs, X-ray machines or explosive trace detectors."

"Australia Post lacks legal authority to open mail."

The online market for illegal drugs largely relies on postal services like Australia Post to deliver purchases.

In a statement to the ABC, Australia Post said funding was not the reason behind the lack of technology to detect illegal goods and that it was not in a position to change any laws.

"Australia Post does not seek this legal authority which, in Australia Post's view, properly sits with law enforcement agencies," the statement said.


Do you believe them?


Comments


[6 Points] None:

[deleted]


[2 Points] RaveTurkey01:

Aussie here. Can confirm. Under current LEGAL standpoint they can't open packages. If they think it's suspicious they could always just call the cops and let them deal with it (but more then likely the postie would just steal it) but it's not their resonsibility and falls under the staffs opinion of "I don't get paid enough for this shit"

There have been a few minor operations where police have actually setup roadside searching of postal and courier vans (in Western Australia just recently) but it's not overly common.

There's no "customs" per se of domestic mail, just goes through sorting centres to distribute, not inspect the mail.

International packages are a different ball game. Everything goes THROUGH border force (customs) before being handed over to Australia Post (or an independent courier company). So border force CAN inspect packages, do have sniffer dogs and x ray machines and are legally allowed to open a package to inspect its contents.


[1 Points] DODGE_CHARGER_Cx:

I think whoever just commented is shadow banned.


[1 Points] dnmuser1234:

Isn't there a documentary series on Netflix that shows them using x-rays and narcotics detectors?


[0 Points] free-agent:

They are only trying to make a link between us and terrorists. This is obvious propaganda.


[0 Points] None:

Nice try LE.