Drug trafficking

Mexico Cartels Threaten Australia National Security: Report

Mexico's cartels are making inroads into Australia as Latin American drug trafficking organizations continue to look for lucrative markets far from home, a new report says.

The Strategic and Defence Studies Centre(SDSC) report (pdf) identifies the Sinaloa Cartel as the main organization consolidating its influence and contacts in Australia.

Mexican cartels are selling drugs wholesale to local groups including "Lebanese, Chinese and Albanian diaspora groups, and Australian biker gangs," the report says. The cartels have reportedly been setting up connections throughout the Asia Pacific region, with Australia as their primary "target."

The report warns that the Mexican model of consolidating strong ties with local criminal groups in new markets is a threat to Australia's national security. One of the dangers involves what the report calls "sweeteners" -- cartels providing locals with handguns and other weapons as incentives for their business deals.

Furthermore, Mexican organizations' indiscriminate association with any local group capable of handling large drug shipments could lead to clashes over control of distribution networks. The cartel presence may compromise the stability of border security and transit spots, according to the defense think tank based at the Australian National University's College of Asia and the Pacific.