INTERNATIONAL CRIME DRUG LINK
The Australian Crime Commissions latest report on illicit drugs has linked international criminals to the importation of illicit drugs.
Chinese Triad gangs have carved out a market in Australia for the amphetamine based drug called Ice.
The latest police intelligence claims that the Triads made a business decision to import Ice to Australia instead of Heroin.
Ice is popular in the Australian nightclub scene and the Australian market is growing.
The report discloses that Ice causes psychotic episodes, paranoid delusions and violent tendances.
International criminal gangs are using teams of couriers carrying small amounts of illicit drugs rather than risk larger shipments.
The demand created for Ice in Australia is expected to lead to Australian based criminals increasing production here to satisfy the demand.
(Source: Melbourne Herald Sun 27 April 2005)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA COMMENTS
Targeting of Australia for illicit drugs by international crime gangs is caused by our high demand and the growing number of drug users.
Australia must reduce the demand for illicit drug by diverting illicit drug users into detoxification and rehabilitation to get them drug free.
Overseas experience has proven that illicit drug users must be diverted into detoxification & rehabilitation by the courts to successfully reduce the number of users.
Reducing demand for illicit drugs will assist police and customs to limit supply from overseas and Australia.
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
16/2005