Law enforcement and drug trafficking money: recent developments in Australian law and procedure

The generation and movement of money is an essential element of illicit drug trafficking. Indeed, the interest of those who are often the most influential in this criminal activity is money. Society is increasingly regulated, and this regulation and the enormous sums of money illegal drug activities generate provide an opportunity to identify and follow monies forming part of the illegal drug trade. This will require the development of new investigative resources and laws. Such activities must be integrated and directed where most effective. As money and the accumulation of money, resources and assets underpin the groups of criminals who are engaged in the illegal drug trade, the most effective action against them will be achieved by destroying the financial basis of their activities.