New South Wales records highest proportion of illicit drug seizures in 2009–10

The Australian Crime Commission’s (ACC) Illicit Drug Data Report 2009–10 has revealed New South Wales recorded the highest proportion of illicit drug seizures by number and weight in 2009–10 compared with the rest of the country.

The report shows that 38 per cent of the 63 670 national illicit drug seizures were made in New South Wales in 2009–10.

In New South Wales, 2488.3 kilograms of illicit drugs were seized in 2009–10, 31 per cent of the national total.

“The size of the population in New South Wales means that the state frequently records the highest proportion of illicit drug seizures in Australia,” ACC Chief Executive Officer, John Lawler said.

“The number of national drug seizures in 2009–10 were the second highest in a decade. National cocaine seizures have increased by 225 per cent in the last decade, however cannabis continues to be the most seized illicit drug in Australia.”

In New South Wales, cannabis accounted for 58 per cent (14 018 seizures) of all illicit drugs seized by number. While, amphetamine-type stimulants accounted for 20 per cent (4919) of illicit drug seizures.

The New South Wales Police Force provided key data to the report, including information on illicit drug seizures and arrests. Commissioner Andrew Scipione welcomed the report, which is the 8th edition produced by the ACC.

"Illicit drug use can cause serious injury and disease, lead to unemployment, destroy relationships and damage families, and is a primary driver of organised criminal profit," Commissioner Scipione said.

"If we want to track and stop these criminals we must understand their market. This report continues to be a major tool in our efforts to address the drug trade and provides government, law enforcement and other stakeholders with a national and jurisdictional picture of the illicit drug market," he added.

Mr Scipione praised the hard work of police in leading the fight against illegal drug manufacture and importation but declared law enforcement won't rest on its laurels.

"There is a demand for cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines and steroids; and we will continue to hunt down those peddling these destructive drugs,” Commissioner Scipione said.

"Manufacture or import these types of drugs and you risk going to jail for life in New South Wales.

"Police are finding more clan labs and more pill presses...we are arresting more people, don't roll the dice, the odds are in our favour."

Mr Lawler launched the ACC’s Illicit Drug Data Report 2009–10 at the Royal Perth Hospital today with burns specialist Dr Fiona Wood and Western Australia Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan.

New South Wales statistics are drawn from data provided by the New South Wales Police Force, NSW Health, Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Office, the Australian Federal Police and Customs and Border Protection.

A copy of the report is available at www.crimecommission.gov.au.

Key findings from Illicit Drug Data Report 2009–10:

• Over 85 000 illicit drug related arrests were made in 2009–10 — the highest in the last decade.
• Drug types that recorded the most substantial increase in arrests over the last decade are cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), increasing by 91 per cent and 58 per cent respectively.
• The 63 670 national illicit drug seizures in 2009–10 is the second highest reported in the last decade.
• Over 7.8 tonnes of illicit drugs were seized nationally in 2009–10.
• A record 694 clandestine laboratories were detected — an increase of 55 per cent from 2008–09 and 245 per cent since 2000–01.

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