Trade deals could increase drug imports

Australia's free trade deals with other countries could increase the risk of illegal drug importations, a Senate estimates hearing was told.

1 min read

Published 19 October 2015 3:08pm

Updated 19 October 2015 3:12pm

Source: AAP

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The Border Force chief has admitted that free-trade deals could potentially increase the risk of illegal drug importations.

Australia is on the cusp of signing an agreement with India and the China free trade pact is expected to come into force once it receives parliamentary approval.

Force commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg told a Senate estimates hearing on Monday that he was aware free trade architecture may expose Australia to the risk of "prohibited goods" coming in, but drug enforcement efforts had matured.

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