Eshay caught hiding a dangerous secret on the streets of Sydney
- Over 100 individuals have been arrested in statewide operations targeting drug trafficking in Sydney since November 22.
- Undercover officers disguised as eshays have faced criticism for ineffective disguises while attempting to blend into the environment.
- The operations aim to disrupt drug trafficking but have sparked debate about their effectiveness in addressing the root issues.
In Australia, law enforcement authorities have been implementing extensive actions to combat drug trafficking. More than 100 individuals have been detained in statewide operations that began on weekends from November 22, as police take a more covert approach to identify and apprehend drug dealers. Undercover officers, disguised as eshays, were deployed to patrol the streets but faced criticism for their unconvincing disguises. The initiative was led by officers with experience in covert operations, emphasizing that blending into the environment is crucial in these situations. Despite these arrests, criticisms have arisen regarding the effectiveness of the operations, with former drug taskforce leader Mr. Bezzina arguing that simply arresting low-level dealers does not address the root causes of the drug problem. He pointed out that these operations only generate crime statistics, suggesting that they do not dismantle the overall drug distribution network. Critics have noted that the police officers' disguises were easily identifiable, with observers sarcastically commenting on their efforts to emulate the style of local youth. In recent operations, significant quantities of cocaine and cash have been seized. Some arrests included a 22-year-old man apprehended in Sydney CBD with 14 bags of cocaine and thousands in cash, a teenager from Cronulla found with 18 bags of cocaine, and other individuals caught with cash and concealed drugs in vehicles. Such incidents indicate the ongoing challenges police face in tackling the distribution of illegal drugs effectively. Assistant Commissioner McKenna stated that the police employ various strategies against major and mid-level drug suppliers, and the current operations demonstrate a commitment to disrupt criminal activities. While undercover operations may be a controversial method, they aim to gather intelligence and collect evidence to prosecute individuals involved in drug trafficking.