According to sources in federal and state law enforcement, Apple’s AirTag, a consumer tracking device, is being exploiteddrug smugglers to evade Australian customs and police operations at ports. Along with other GPS systems available at low prices, AirTags have become a standard tool for criminal syndicates to determine if their shipments of cocaine and methamphetamine have been compromised during anti-drug operations.

Originally designed for consumers to keep track of easily misplaced items like keys and wallets, AirTags use Bluetooth signals to pinpoint the location of the device. However, criminals have repurposed these devices for remote monitoring of contraband shipments. By utilizing the “Find My” feature, they can track if law enforcement is moving the drug shipments during customs inspections or if the drugs are replaced with inert substances during controlled deliveries.

Law enforcement sources have confirmed that the low cost of AirTags and the ease of setting them up with falsified account information have made them a common tool in drug-smuggling networks.

While Australian authorities are aware of the issue, they cannot comment further on operational and security reasons. The Australian Border Force acknowledges that criminal groups have been placing tracking devices like AirTags in illegal imports, and this seems to be an increasing phenomenon.

In recent news, authorities discovered a tracking device inside a massive shipment of cocaine, valued at approximately $61 million. Australian Federal Police seized this shipment, but they have not disclosed what kind of device was found. Australia remains an attractive target for transnational organized crime due to the high prices Australians are willing to pay for illicit drugs.

Apple Australia declined to comment on the misuse of their technology for criminal purposes, as they previously condemned any malicious use of their products.

FAQs

1. What is an AirTag?

An AirTag is a consumer tracking device developedApple that uses Bluetooth signals to pinpoint the location of a device.

2. How are criminals using AirTags?

Criminal syndicates are repurposing AirTags for remote monitoring of contraband shipments, allowing them to track if their drug shipments are being movedlaw enforcement during customs inspections or if the drugs are replaced with inert substances during controlled deliveries.

3. Why are AirTags attractive to criminals?

AirTags are low-cost and easy to set up with falsified account information, making them a common tool in drug-smuggling networks.

4. Has Apple responded to the misuse of AirTags?

While Apple has previously condemned any malicious use of their products, they have not specifically addressed the misuse of AirTagscriminal syndicates.

5. What did the Australian Federal Police seize recently?

The Australian Federal Police seized a massive shipment of cocaine, valued at around $61 million, but they have not disclosed the specific tracking device that was found.