PHARMACY CRACKDOWN ON DRUG LABS LEADS TO 34 ARRESTS

Thirty four arrests have resulted from the crackdown on over-the-counter pharmacy sales of medications containing pseudoephedrine, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson said the State Government, in partnership with Queensland pharmacies, imposed tighter controls from 1 January this year on how people can purchase products containing pseudoephedrine.

“The new controls target the misuse of pseudoephedrine in the illegal manufacture of amphetamine, including methamphetamine (speed), which can kill,” he said.

“Police say the controls are working and the 34 arrests to date reflect that.”

Mr Robertson congratulated the Queensland branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia for its role in helping battle the illegal manufacture of illicit drugs.

He told the Guild’s annual dinner in Brisbane last night that the computer system - Project Stop – it developed was instrumental in identifying people seeking illicit access to pseudoephedrine.

“The Queensland Police Service advises that as a direct result of Project Stop, 34 arrests have been made under the Drug Misuse Act 1986 culminating in 195 charges to date.

“I’m advised seven clandestine drug labs have also been seized and further police investigations are currently underway."

"I commend pharmacies in Queensland for their vigilance and pivotal role in helping authorities fight illegal drug trade.

“The Queensland-developed Project Stop computer system has proved so successful to date that it is attracting interest from both interstate and overseas organisations."

Mr Robertson said Project Stop was a real-time, web-based system that allows pharmacists to electronically record data relating to sales of medicines containing pseudoephedrine.

“It also allows external agencies with access to the system, such as Queensland Health and Queensland Police, to determine legislative compliance by pharmacists and disseminate relevant information to assist in their operations,” he said.

Mr Robertson said under new controls introduced from 1 January, all over-the-counter Schedule 2 medicines containing pseudoephedrine were reclassified as ‘Pharmacist Only' Schedule 3 medicines.

“This means pharmacists must not sell any Schedule 3 medicines containing pseudoephedrine unless they are satisfied the customer has a genuine, therapeutic need for the medication,” he said.

“Pharmacists are authorised to request identification from unknown customers and record their details, including their name and address, date of purchase, brand name and quantity.

“The Queensland branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia developed the Project Stop computer system to help pharmacists carry out these duties.”


21 September,  2006

MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185 or 0409 069 056