Police form unit to combat organised crime, drugs in sport
VICTORIAN police will form a new Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit in response to the damning findings contained in an Australian Crime Commission report on organised crime and drugs in sport.
Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton said the unit, which would be housed within the Intelligence and Covert Support Department, would be led by a detective sergeant and tasked with gathering and assessing information about criminal activities in sport and links to organised crime.
"In recent times, Victoria Police has been working closely with the Racing Integrity Commissioner, law enforcement agencies and national sporting bodies regarding the broad issue of integrity in sport," Dep Comm Ashton said.
"This has included discussions around illicit drugs, betting and the risks associated with organised crime infiltrating sporting codes and influencing elite athletes.
"Victoria Police has had discussions with government about our concerns and intended response.
"Given the potential economic impact and detriment to our community, Victoria Police is establishing a Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit which will inform our investigative response to these emerging challenges."
APN Newsdesk understands neither the New South Wales nor Queensland police forces have plans to establish similar units.
