Drug trafficking via mail on the rise

South Australian Attorney-General John Rau has called on the federal government to tighten border security measures following almost 50 arrests of people trafficking drugs via the post since the beginning of the year.

Authorities in South Australia have made 49 arrests and seized 29.5kg of illicit drugs since January related to people using the internet and mail system to traffic drugs.

More than 16,000 tablets have also been seized under Operation Post, as well as 74 litres of the party drug, Fantasy, and 31 litres of precursor chemicals.

Mr Rau on Thursday said he would raise the issue with state and federal counterparts at a national meeting of the Law Crime and Community Safety Council in Melbourne.

While Operation Post had improved sharing of information between SA Police, Customs and the Australian Federal Police, Mr Rau said the federal government must put more effort into detection and interception of drugs entering the country through the post.

"Internet-based illicit drug trafficking is increasing and these substances are commonly entering our community, largely through the domestic mail system," Mr Rau said.

"What we need nationally is a more targeted and innovative inter-agency response to this issue. We also need stronger border security, especially for postal items."

Mr Rau said he would also be campaigning for nationally consistent laws regarding the possession of precursor chemicals.