The Facts
Australia's Border Force has accused 70 employees at Melbourne airport — including baggage handlers and groundcrew — of aiding organized criminals in smuggling illicit drugs into Victoria.
A year-long Border Force investigation also accused airline crew members of illegal drug use and distribution in the country, with multiple international airline employees allegedly found hiding banned tobacco products in false-bottom suitcases.
The Spin
Narrative A
While Australia does face a dangerous drug-trafficking industry emanating out of East Asia, authorities have successfully partnered with governments such as China for decades to intercept these deliveries and save lives. With foreknowledge of which countries are drug-making hotspots, authorities have taken tons of methamphetamines, cocaine, and other lethal narcotics off the streets.
Narrative B
While East Asia was historically the region to focus on, Mexican drug cartels have now become the most notorious providers of meth in Australia. As the government catches up to the changing geographical aspects of the drug trade, states are making things even more complicated by decriminalizing hard drugs in small amounts. The government needs to punish both drug smuggling and use if it hopes to end this crisis.
