Darwin-based soldiers are suspected of swapping guns and military equipment for drugs, it was revealed last night. Police believe 1st Brigade soldiers from Palmerston's Robertson Barracks may have sourced drugs from organised crime groups. The weapons went missing from Roberston Barracks at Palmerston last year. They include two Steyr automatic rifles, a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. Police fear the weapons could be in the hands of crime syndicates. The connection to organised crime was uncovered after a joint-investigation between NT Police and the Department of Defence. Territory police confirmed to the Northern Territory News last night the gun swapping was part of their investigation. Commander George Owens said the link was ``indirect''. ``The weapons were stolen and of course we are concerned as to where they end up,'' he said. The undercover operation at Robertson Barracks resulted in 97 soldiers being tested for drugs. The test results shocked the military, with 47 returning positive results for drugs including marijuana, speed, ecstasy and opiates. More than 3000 military personnel either live or work at Robertson Barracks. 1st Brigade declined to comment last night. [continues 140 words]
Authorities fear the Adelaide-to-Darwin rail link will open up a drug corridor from Asia to Australia's south. Police and customs have begun intelligence-based operations in readiness for the first freight train journey on January 15. They fear illicit drugs such as heroin and amphetamines will be transported from boats or planes at Darwin and brought to South Australia via the railway for distribution to the eastern states. Detective Chief Superintendent Denis Edmonds, officer-in-charge of Crime Services in SA, said police had identified the railway as an opportunity for crime syndicates from South-East Asia. "We have made the appreciation that it is obviously an avenue that the organised crime people will have thought about," he said. "The rail provides organised crime with the opportunity to transport contraband between the top of Australia and down through SA and the eastern states." Chief Supt Edmonds said police would work closely with Customs and the Australian Federal Police to monitor the rail line when it opened. He said while most drug smuggling occurred through the eastern states, there had been several significant heroin seizures in Darwin. "Various syndicates have their own transportation methods," he said. "Our intelligence suggests that most of the heroin comes into Australia and finishes up being distributed throughout the Eastern seaboard, but if you go back in history there were a few significant seizures in Darwin. "While most of our amphetamine output is homegrown, there is an opportunity to import amphetamines from that part of the world and there is also an opportunity to import chemicals for amphetamine production. "Customs obviously have trouble examining every piece of cargo. "It is an opportunity for organised crime." Customs corporate communication manager Chris Schofield said officials would continue to monitor the importation of drugs into Darwin closely. "Customs is fully aware of the potential for drug smuggling and the importation of other prohibited products through Darwin," he said. The Adelaide-to-Darwin railway is the longest north-south rail line in the world and connects Australia's economic heartland with Asia. The freight service will operate five times a week and is expected to carry 800,000 tonnes a year by 2007. A passenger service, which will take 48 hours to travel from Adelaide to Darwin, begins on February 1. [end]
Territory Pharmacies will crack down on the sale of cold and flu tablets in a bid to curb the manufacture of illicit drugs. The non-prescription medicines are to be moved from the shelves to behind the counter. Pharmacists can also question suspicious customers and limit the number of packets they buy. NT chief health officer Steven Skov said cold and flu medicines often contained pseudoephedrine - a key component in the manufacture of methamphetamine, commonly called speed. He said the campaign aimed to prevent medecine bought from a pharmacy being used to manufacture the popular party drug. [continues 167 words]
Police have busted a record number of amphetamine labs in the Northern Territory this year. They include two factories where the manufacturer was still "cooking" the drugs when officers arrived. Both factories had the capacity to produce millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs. Drug Squad Senior Sergeant Les Martin said police across the country were seeing an increase in the consumption of amphetamines and the number of laboratories. "In my opinion, the amount of locally manufactured speed has increased in the past few years," he said. [continues 84 words]
A drug addict who broke into a Darwin pharmacy injected herself in the neck while still inside the premises. Pharmacy workers said the woman, 29, injected herself with two tetanus vaccine injections and a chicken pox vaccine. The drugs were taken from a fridge in the dispensary. The woman had smashed through one of the pharmacy's windows using a concrete block. "She was obviously desparate for drugs," one of the Stuart park pharmacy owners said. The breakin was about 12.30am on Saturday. When police arrived the woman was still there and armed with a syringe. [end]
Sugar-coated ecstasy pills have been seized by Territory police in a raid on a Darwin home which netted drugs worth $2 million. It is believed to be the first time the sugar-coated, sweet-like ecstasy drops have been sighted in the Territory. Police believe the drugs were brought in from overseas. The ecstasy was found during a raid on a clandestine amphetamine lab operating in the affluent suburb of Fannie Bay. "We will make some inquiries to see if there has been any sign of tablets like this turning up anywhere else in Australia and we will do that with our interstate counterparts," Drug Squad Senior Sergeant Les Martin said. [continues 163 words]
Territory Politicians Would Face Random Drug Tests Under a Proposal Presented to the NT Parliament Yesterday. Under the move, believed to be an Australian first, the Territory's 25 elected members would face random tests for cannabis, opiates and amphetamines. But the Opposition Private Member's Bill is likely to fail. Opposition MP Stephen Dunham said his proposal was aimed at bringing politicians into step with other occupations where testing is required. It follows the announcement earlier this month that the entire Australian Defence Force would face random drug tests, after 47 out of 97 soldiers at Darwin's Robertson barracks tested positive to illicit substances. "I think in society there are a lot of groups _ sportsmen, professional drivers, pilots, our whole defence force and people who work on mining sites who are subject to random drug testing," Mr Dunham said. "I think that if politicians are inclined to make rules of that type they should abide by them. "I also believe that people in the wider society expect elected leaders to not only adhere to standards of behaviour and ethics, but maybe even have higher standards. "I don't think it's a problem to demonstrate to the people that an attitude of zero tolerance to illicit drugs is in our parliament." Mr Dunham said he expected some of the tests - to be conducted at least annually _ would return positive results. "It's possible (there will be positive readings) because the drug testing is fairly accurate and it can pick up drugs sometime after people have used them recreationally," he said. The Leader of Government Business and Police Minister Paul Henderson said the Government was unlikely to support the bid. "My first instinct is he hasn't identified a problem which he is seeking to cure with this Bill," Mr Henderson said. "I believe it is purely a political stunt." The Bill is expected to be debated early next year. [end]
Territory politicians would face random drug tests under a proposal presented to the NT Parliament yesterday. Under the move, believed to be an Australian first, the Territory's 25 elected members would face random tests for cannabis, opiates and amphetamines. But the Opposition Private Member's Bill is likely to fail. Opposition MP Stephen Dunham said his proposal was aimed at bringing politicians into step with other occupations where testing is required. It follows the announcement earlier this month that the entire Australian Defence Force would face random drug tests, after 47 out of 97 soldiers at Darwin's Robertson barracks tested positive to illicit substances. [continues 220 words]
While your editorial writer and columnist Col Newman gloat over the alleged success of the NT Government's attacks on the civil liberties of drug users, I am reminded of a quote from Pastor Niemoller of Germany in 1945. He said: "When Hitler attacked the Jews I was not a Jew, therefore I was not concerned. And when Hitler attacked the Catholics I was not a Catholic, and therefore, I was not concerned. And when Hitler attacked the unions and the industrialists, I was not a member of the unions and I was not concerned. Then Hitler attacked me and the Protestant Church and there was nobody left to be concerned." [continues 130 words]
A judge sad it was evil to take drugs into remote communities and jailed a well-respected Ramingining man to 28 days jail. Rodney James Brown, 48, pleaded guilty in the NT Supreme Courtto drug charges after he was caught with 883g of marijuana while travelling to his home at Ramingining, 400km east of Darwin. But the court heard Browne was an exceptionally compassionate man who contributed siginificantly to his community's troubled youth. Justice Dean Mildren was told Browne regularly cared for homeless children over the years, taking them into his home and feeding them. [continues 180 words]
Police were starting to win the war on drugs, Commissioner Paul White claimed yesterday. Police have shut down, or through raids forced the closure, of 20 drug houses since August last year. ``The introduction of drug premises legislation represented a major challenge and opportunity for the police force to disrupt the illict drug market,'' Mr White said. He said operations run by the drug squad had shut down drug houses known to supply not only cannabis but also amphetamine. Since the legislation's introduction: SIXTY-EIGHT first warning notices have been issued, including one to a commercial premises in Darwin; NINE second warning notices across the NT have been issued; FOUR third warning notices have been given out; TWO homes have officially been branded drug houses under the legislation _ one in Darwin and one at Alice Springs. Mr White said the closure of the drug houses was a significant part in limiting the availability of drugs in the Territory. [continues 152 words]
An Increasing Number Of Territorians Are Being Hospitalised For Psychotic Drug Use, Including Cannabis, It Was Revealed Yesterday. Police and health authorities said more dangerous forms of cannabis and amphetamines were being used across the NT. Patients are suffering from drug-induced symptoms of paranoia, hallucinations and an inability to cope with everyday tasks. They also suffer mood swings, an inability to concentrate or sleep and increased levels of aggression. In the 2002-03 financial year there were 324 admissions of people with a first diagnosis of psychosis due to drug abuse. The figure represents a 40 per cent rise in the past four years. Police said users of hydroponic cannabis, which has a far higher level of THC, the chemical which triggers psychosis, is part of the problem. The purity of amphetamine available on the streets is also increasing. The Health Department said last night newer methods of drug taking were being blamed for the increase. "A possible reason, based on anecdotal reports, is changed methods of drug ingestion, such as injecting rather than swallowing speed, which can result in enhanced effects," Public Health Physician Dr Steven Skov said. "Intravenous ingestion means the substance goes directly into the blood stream, bypassing the digestive system. These methods expose people to higher, concentrated levels of the drug during a shorter space of time." The Health Department said the psychotic episodes were lasting longer, sometimes over several years. Community Services assistant secretary Carol Peltola said the rise in drug psychosis presented the health system with problems. "Significant rates of co-occurring mental health and substance abuse problems have several implications for assessment, treatment and ongoing care," she said. "These types of disorders are more likely to become chronic and have a poorer prognosis." http://www.napnt.org [end]
Territory Justice Minister Peter Toyne copped plenty of flak last year when he introduced the Government's tough new drug laws. Much of the criticism came from a vocal minority who believed the laws would encroach on their freedom. The legal system also bridled at the changes, claiming the laws would unfairly target drug users, ignore the source of supply and breach the civil liberties of Territorians. But almost 18 months on, the Government can claim to have silenced the critics. [continues 170 words]
The mother of Luke Masters and her son's jailer Dick Wallace, have one thing in common - they are both product's of this country's education system, (Northern Territory News, October 4). The difference is that the former is ignorant of the well-established fact, contrary to what she believes, prison does not "rehabilitate" anybody. This is why history will judge Dick and others like him in a very poor light - he does know that without question, jail bends minds, it does not mend them. [end]
Regarding to the recent jailing of Luke Masters. Luke's crime was to enter the chamber of the NT Legislative Assembly holding a banner calling for drug law reform. He was in the chamber for less than ten seconds and now he's serving 15 days. Luke was just one of a group of people who felt that the NT Government's "drug house" legislation would be a retro-grade step. Most of the group have seen the impact of the so called "war on drugs" on the day to day lives of drug users. [continues 148 words]
Drug Free Australia encourages authorities to uphold and enforce the laws of the nation, and the Northern Territory is to be applauded for not shying away from its duty when a handful of noisy lobbyists express their radical views by breaking the law. In sending Luke Masters and others to jail we can all hope, as his mother does, that he realises what is available to him when he comes out: a job, a loving family, and a community willing to support those in need of help. [continues 90 words]
A mother who wanted her son jailed after he invaded the NT Parliament got her wish yesterday. Luke Masters, 20, was sentenced to 15 days in jail after he failed to complete a community service order for his role in the invasion of Parliament during a drug protest. His mother, Sue St James, 44, told the Northern Territory News in June after her son was fined $500 and ordered to perform 120 community service hours that she wanted him to go to jail. [continues 311 words]
A five-year-old Territory girl shocked teachers when she showed her class how to make a bong out of a Coke bottle during a "show and tell" session. The incident took place at a primary school in Darwin's northern suburbs. The revelation comes amid mounting concerns over drug use among Territory primary school students. At least two instances have been reported to the Education Department of children aged between five and 12 being caught with drugs at school. In one case the drug was amphetamine. Teachers have indicated this may be the tip of the iceberg. [continues 282 words]
Dogs used to patrol Australia's borders may be used to stop the flow of cannabis to the Territory's remote communities. CLP Senator Nigel Scullion is trying to broker a meeting between the NT Police Minister, police and Australian Customs officers to get a formal agreement for custom sniffer dogs to be used in the Territory. A memorandum of understanding exists between the NT police and Customs to use dogs when available. Senator Scullion said formalising the agreement would allow drug squad officers to conduct random but consistent patrols of aircraft, barge and truck cargo. The dogs would need additional training as they are now only trained to sniff out morphine-based drugs. During a visit to the NT in June, Senator Bronwyn Bishop pledged to reintroduce sniffer dogs to Darwin and Alice Springs airports to stop drug trafficking. Senator Scullion said abuse of cannabis was chronic and needed immediate action to end "this trade in human misery". "We've got kids as young as 11 that are using quite considerable amounts of cannabis," he said. "It's unacceptable and it's got to stop." Police Minister Paul Henderson last night called on the Federal Government to meet Senator Bishop's commitment. The call comes despite the Government refusing in March to allow the NT police to have their own drug detection dog. The O'Sullivan review recognised the need for a dog squad, saying it was a "necessary part of drug detection and prevention activities for the NT". The Government has promised to honour all of the O'Sullivan recommendations. Are you coming the 2nd Darwin International Syringe Festival and 1st International on Using Direct Action to End the War on Drugs? Darwin 21st to 28th September 2003 http://www.angelfire.com/oz/syringefestival/index.html Brought to you by NAP - http://www.napnt.org [end]
Well surprise, surprise, drug use is rife in our defence force. Obviously things are no different to when I served in the RAN in the early nineties. It is ludicrous to believe that the members of our defence force are immune to illicit drug use. Like thousands of young Australians, our servicemen and women discovered the benefits of illicit drug use long ago. How can we expect our soldiers to refrain from illicit drug use when we send them to conquer countries like Iraq, where they will be subject to ongoing and sustained resistance? How can they be drug free after they have seen the horrors of Vietnam or more recently Timor or Rwanda? [continues 103 words]
Drug use is rife at the NT's army headquarters, it was claimed last night. Soldiers said marijuana, amphetamines and ecstasy were readily available at Robertson Barracks in Palmerston. One private said: "I'd start taking speed on Friday night and stay awake until Monday morning and then be in charge of a 13 1/2 tonne armoured car." One soldier has been charged with possession of amphetamines. Several others are known to be under investigation. "Military police have been tapping people on the shoulder and leading them away for urine tests," said one source. [continues 185 words]
