Amphetamines by Post

The latest report of the Australian Crime Commission discloses that 95 per cent of amphetamine type stimulants are detected through the postal stream.

Main amphetamine type stimulants include speed, ICE, MDMA, methamphetamines and ecstasy.

Use of amphetamine type stimulants can lead to death, permanent brain damage, psychosis, violence, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, increased body temperature and heart rate as well as organ failure.

Toxicity of these stimulants is unpredictable and these are used to stimulate brain activity and the central nervous system.

Due to large demand, clandestine laboratories for these stimulants flourish particularly in Queensland.

(Source: Australian Crime Commission Illicit Drug Data Report 2006/7)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-

Stimulants are in high demand in Australia which encourages criminal activity in producing and distributing these illicit drugs.

Increased activity in reducing supply of illicit drugs is being undermined by the high demand.

The Australian Crime Commission report highlights the need for reducing demand for stimulants to help illicit drug users to avoid the risks of drug use.

Overseas experience has proven that supply reduction policies MUST be coupled with reduction in demand for illicit drugs in order to reduce the harm to Australians.

Australia NEEDS a comprehensive and effective drug detoxification and rehabilitation system to be set up that reduces demand.