CUSTOMS has been rocked by allegations that it has been infiltrated by crime gangs and as many as 30 officers are involved in drug smuggling and receiving bribes.
The Federal Government, Customs and Federal Police are in lockdown, refusing to comment on the claims which have thrown into question the integrity of the nation's border protection forces.
It may also give new life to the claims by Schapelle Corby, who was convicted for attempting to smuggle 4.1kg of marijuana into Bali in 2004, that the drugs were planted by airport workers.
Sources told the Herald Sun that Lebanese crime gangs are believed to have infiltrated Customs at Sydney Airport and there were concerns about systemic corruption and cultural problems at Customs. They questioned how so many people could be involved.
Channel 10 reported 30 Customs officers, including entire shifts, were allegedly involved in drug smuggling and were turning a blind eye and receiving kickbacks.
It is believed they have been illegally importing cocaine and pseudoephedrine.
Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare and Customs have not commented on the matter.
"We are aware of these reports but we have no comment we can offer at this stage," Customs said.
It is understood the Government recently launched integrity checks in a bid to fight the corruption and federal police have had suspects under surveillance.
Sources also suggested that people who associated with known criminals have been involved either working directly for Customs or as "middle men" between Customs staff and crime figures.
Customs has been trying to boost its image in the community through popular TV shows highlighting its border protection and airport work.
The new claims come on the same day a Customs and Border Protection officer from Sydney International Airport faced Sydney's Central Local Court charged with importing a commercial quantity of pseudoephedrine, and receiving a bribe aimed at encouraging him to "circumvent Customs protocol".
He has also been charged with abusing his office to gain a financial advantage, after allegedly receiving a bribe between August 10 and August 18.
The Customs officer was arrested by the Australian Federal Police on August 20, two days after the man accused of paying him the bribe was arrested at Sydney Airport as he got off an international flight.
In October the man accused of paying the bribe, pleaded guilty to bribing a Commonwealth official. He also entered a guilty plea to charges of supplying the banned-drug MDMA and importing the precursor drug pseudoephedrine.
A third co-accused was also charged over the alleged drug importation.
- with Carleen Frost and Vanda Carson
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