Pubdate: Wed, 05 Oct 2005
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News
Contact:  http://ntnews.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/283
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

INCREASE IN DRUG LABS BUSTED BY POLICE

TWENTY-one clandestine drug labs were busted by Territory police last 
financial year, Police Commissioner Paul White said yesterday.

This was an increase of 15 on the previous year and Mr White said this 
reflected the increase in the illicit drug trade in the Territory.

"Amphetamines are the second most commonly seized drug in the Northern 
Territory, with 21 clandestine labs discovered in the Territory last year, 
compared with six the year before, " he said. "Attacking this trade has to 
come on a number of fronts, including law enforcement, public information 
about suspicious activity, effective legislation, and the ability to stop 
the importation of chemicals used to manufacture amphetamines."

Mr White said the production of illicit drugs knows no borders, therefore 
"global partnerships" are needed to combat the trade.

The need for collaboration is a key topic of discussion among 200 delegates 
from police, health, prosecution and the private sector attending from 
around Australia, Asia, Canada and America at the 9th National Chemical 
Diversion Congress in Darwin this week.

"The importation of methamphetamines, detection of clandestine labs, and 
reducing the supply of precursor chemicals will be on the agenda," Mr White 
said.

"We are lucky to have attracted such high-profile speakers who have come 
from around the world to share their thoughts and experiences."

Speakers from the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Hong Kong's Customs 
and Excise Department, China's National Narcotics Control Commission, the 
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Criminal Investigation Bureau of 
Guangdong Province in China are attending the congress.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D