CONGRESS TO TARGET ILLICIT DRUG MANUFACTURE

Minister for Police and Corrective Services, Judy Spence today officially opened the 10^th National Chemical Diversion Congress being held on the Gold Coast.

The congress is being hosted by the Queensland Police Service and aims to address precursor chemicals and apparatus being used in clandestine laboratory production as well as other issues relating to the sale and distribution of illegal drugs within the community.

More than 200 delegates and guest speakers are attending the conference, many travelling from overseas and interstate to be part of the three day conference.

Ms Spence thanked delegates for their combined efforts to stop the scourge of illicit drug manufacture and drug labs.

“The Beattie Government takes a hard line on drugs, and I applaud your work in combating precursor chemicals that are used in clandestine laboratory production, which in turn is helping to reduce the manufacture and availability of illicit drugs,” Ms Spence said.

“Illegal drugs and their manufacture are a serious concern for all of us.

“Too often we see the negative effects that drugs can have.

“We are committed to reducing all levels of drug crime – whether it is the use, sale or manufacture of drugs.”

Ms Spence said the Beattie Government had introduced laws to help reduce drug use and manufacture, including enabling powder-drug detection dogs to be used in licensed premises, and increased controls on precursor chemicals, scientific apparatus and pill presses.

Ms Spence said Queensland Police had detected and shut down 111 clandestine amphetamine labs this year.

“Queensland Police are also actively involved in partnerships that are having a direct result on drug detection,” Ms Spence said.

“Police worked with the Queensland Pharmacy Guild on Project Stop, which helps identify suspect sales of pseudoephedrine based cold and flu preparations. To date, 34 arrests have been made from over-the-counter pharmacy sales of medication containing pseudoephedrine, and 7 backyard labs shut down.”

Ms Spence said the National Chemical Diversion Congress was bringing together stakeholders to share experiences and ensure strategies are focused on tackling the sale and distribution of illegal drugs.

Media Contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287