Ice Breaker Strategy making inroads into drug trade

A special taskforce created by the State Government has prevented methamphetamines valued at almost $50 million from reaching the streets.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said the government’s Pseudoephedrine (PSE) Enforcement Taskforce had dealt the illegal drug trade a series of damaging blows.

“This important taskforce has made real inroads into the illegal drug trade in Queensland,” Mr Robertson said.

“It has successfully targeted a number of unscrupulous retailers involved in the illegal supply of PSE medicines.

“By revoking pharmacists’ endorsements, we’ve so far prevented the production of an estimated $48.5 million worth of methamphetamines from becoming available for street use.

“Seven pharmacists have had their endorsements to obtain, possess and supply scheduled drugs cancelled by the Chief Health Officer.

“All seven who had their endorsements cancelled are no longer registered as pharmacists by the Pharmacists Board of Queensland.

“Another two pharmacists are facing charges under the Drugs Misuse Act as a result of investigations carried out by the taskforce.”

Mr Robertson said the taskforce was part of the State Government’s Ice Breaker Strategy to get drugs off the streets and restrict the sale of drug paraphernalia.

“This is a whole-of-government strategy combining education, rehabilitation and drug law enforcement programs to get drugs off our streets,” he said.

“The taskforce is working closely with pharmacies and police to encourage pharmacists to comply with new regulations covering the sale of Schedule 3 medicines.

“It incorporates Project Stop, a web-based tracking system available to both Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service.

"Four out of five pharmacists are using Project Stop, which has already resulted in 37 arrests and seizure of seven drug labs, culminating in 260 drug-

related charges this year.

"In the past 12 months Queensland Health's services have provided 1,600 episodes of care for people affected by illicit drugs, with amphetamines as the principal drug of concern.”

Mr Robertson said the taskforce had also uncovered further evidence of illicit drug supply in Queensland.

“Taskforce investigations have detected evidence of the illegal supply of steroids, controlled drugs, and sedatives,” he said.

“While beyond the original charter of the taskforce, some of these matters are the subject of ongoing investigations.”

The Ice Breaker Strategy provides for fines of up to $10,500 for Queensland retailers who sell or supply ‘ice’ pipes and bong parts.

“These laws are being enforced by around 80 Queensland Health environmental health officers, who can issue $300 on-the-spot fines for infringements,” Mr Robertson said.

“This is about sending out a strong, clear message that ice and methamphetamine use in the community is unacceptable.

“We are continuing to work with pharmacies to restrict the sale of PSE medicines to people in genuine need of them and with general practitioners to ensure appropriate prescribing of these medicines.”

ENDS

MEDIA 3225 2680