AFP Numbers Boosted in Afghanistan
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Media release
13 May 2008
The Minister for Home Affairs Bob Debus said up to eight additional Australian Federal Police (AFP) members will be deployed in capacity development and counter-narcotics roles in Afghanistan.
“The extra members will join the four AFP members currently deployed in Afghanistan with the Australian Government providing funding of $47.0 million over two years to strengthen international efforts to stabilise the country.
“The AFP has been providing expertise in counter-narcotics and police capacity development in Afghanistan since October last year.
“The additional members will provide high level advice to the National Police of Afghanistan and act in advisory roles with the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan.
“More than 90 per cent of the world’s opium is cultivated in Afghanistan and according to United Nations reports, poppy production continues to increase.
“The large scale production of opium in Afghanistan continues to fuel the Taliban-led insurgency, threatening regional and international security and is a cause of human suffering across the world.
“The Rudd Government is committed to the international effort in Afghanistan and this increase in personnel provides a further opportunity to share the AFP’s expertise.”
Media Contact:
Samantha Wills (02) 6277 7290, 0448 721 372