Amphetaminetype. Key Points

Transcription

1 Amphetaminetype stimulants Key Points The largest single detection of MDMA at the Australian border occurred in , totalling 4.4 tonnes. The majority of detected amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) importations at the border are through the postal stream. Significant amounts of ATS precursors continue to be detected in the air cargo stream. Clandestine laboratory detections decreased in comparison to but remain significantly higher than those reported a decade ago. ATS seizures accounted for 46 percent of the total weight of national illicit drug seizures, making it the predominant drug seized. The weight of national ATS seizures increased by 320 percent compared with The number of seizures increased by 33 percent. 10 ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

2 Main Forms Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are defined by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as consisting of amphetamine, methylamphetamine, 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and related products, such as 3,4 methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA). It also includes a number of other synthetic stimulants, such as phentermine and methcathinone. The term stimulants refers to substances that increase brain activity and stimulate the central nervous system. (UNODC, 2003; 2004). Amphetamine is synthetically derived from betaphenethylamine, which is a substance similar to the naturally occurring stimulant ephedrine and hormone adrenaline. Regular use of amphetamine can lead to dependence, with users finding it difficult to quit or regulate use. Long-term use of amphetamine may lead to unpredictable behaviour, psychosis, permanent damage to brain cells and a reliance on other drugs to counteract insomnia (DASSA, 2006). Methylamphetamine is a potent and highly addictive form of amphetamine. It has been used in some countries to treat attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy and obesity (ONDCP, 2007). However, chronic use of methylamphetamine may lead to the onset of violent behaviour, anxiety, insomnia and psychosis, including auditory and visual hallucinations, and paranoia (DEA, 2006a). Methylamphetamine is commonly sold in four different forms: powder (sometimes called speed ), base (also referred to as paste), crystal and tablets. A liquid form has also been identified, however its prevalence and use is considered infrequent (McKetin, McLaren and Kelly, 2005; O Brien et al., 2007). Crystalline methylamphetamine, which is also commonly referred to as crystal meth or ice, is perceived to be the strongest form of methylamphetamine. It is processed through the re-crystallisation of methylamphetamine powder in a solvent, such as acetone, to remove impurities (ANCD, n.d; NDIC, 2005). Phenethylamines are synthetic drugs, similar in chemical composition to amphetamine and methylamphetamine. The most widely known phenethylamine is MDMA. MDMA, or 3,4 methylendioxymethamphetamine, is commonly referred to as ecstasy. MDMA is a synthetic psychoactive drug that has an hallucinogenic effect on users. The short-term effects of MDMA can include increased body temperature (hyperthermia), increased heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to organ failure and death. Users have also reported withdrawal symptoms, which include fatigue, loss of appetite and depression (DEA, 2006). Amphetamine-type stimulants 11

3 The toxicity of MDMA is unpredictable and its effects may vary from person to person (White, Boechner and Irvine, 1997). MDMA can be cut or combined with other substances, such as ephedrine and ketamine (TGA, 2004; DEA, 2006). Drugs sold and consumed as ecstasy may contain little or no MDMA. In its base form, MDMA is a white, musty-smelling oil with a bitter taste. The base is converted into a salt or powder for processing into capsules or tablets, usually with a symbol or logo. MDMA derivatives found in Australia include MDA, MDEA and PMA. Table 1 shows the ATS commonly used in Australia. Table 1: ATS commonly used in Australia Drug type Common names Forms Method of administration Amphetamine, dexamphetamine a Speed, whiz, uppers, goey, louee, dexies, pep pills White, yellow, pink or brown powder or tablets Oral, intranasal, injection, anal b Methylamphetamine Meth, speed, whiz, fast, uppers, goey, louee, Lou Reed c, rabbit c, tail c, pep pills; in paste form, can be referred to as base, pure or wax; in liquid form, can be referred to as leopard s blood, ox blood, red speed or liquid red White, yellow or brown powder, paste, tablets or a red liquid Oral, intranasal, injection, anal b Crystalline methylamphetamine hydrochloride (Dmethylamphetamine) purified methylamphetamine Ice, meth, d-meth, glass, crystal, batu, shabu (from the Philippines) Crystal resembles crushed ice Smoking, intranasal, injection 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) XTC, X, Ecstasy, Adam, M & M, eccy, E, Go, Scooby Snacks, hug, beans Tablet, geltab, powder, capsule Oral, intranasal, smoking, injecting 12 ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

4 Table 1: ATS commonly used in Australia (cont d) Drug type Common names Forms Method of administration 3,4- methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA) Eve Tablet Oral 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) N-methyl-1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2- butanamine (MBDB) Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) d 4-bromo-2,5- dimethoxyphenethylamine 4-bromo-2,5- dimethoxyamphetamine (DOB) e Love bug, Crystal, P, Window Pane Tablet Oral Eden Tablet Oral Death, Dr Death, Mitsubishi Double Nexus, 2-CB, bromo, TWOs DOB, 4-bromo-DMA, bromo Tablet, powder, capsule Tablet (Nexus), blotting paper, powder Tablet, blotting paper 2,5-dimethoxy-4- DOM, STP Tablet, blotting paper Oral methylamphetamine (DOM) f 4-methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA) Flatliner, Golden Eagle Tablet Oral Oral, intranasal, injecting (rare) Oral, intranasal a. Dexamphetamine (also known as dextroamphetamine sulphate) is sold in tablet form in Australia for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, in accordance with state and territory laws. It is also used illicitly. b. In tablet form, the drug can be inserted into the anus or the vagina to avoid the irritation to the user s stomach, which commonly occurs when taken orally (also known as 'shafting' or 'shelving'). c. Terminology noted in Queensland. d. PMA has stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. It is an analogue of MDMA with broadly similar effects. e. Strong effect low effective dose. f. Similar dose to DOB. Source: ACC, Australian Government Analytical Laboratories, South Australia Forensic Science Centre. Oral Amphetamine-type stimulants 13

5 International trends ATS production is not limited to particular regions of the world and large-scale production continues to occur in various countries. Brunei, Cambodia, Japan, Laos, the Philippines and Thailand ranked methylamphetamine as their most widely used illicit drug (UNODC, 2007). Methylamphetamine production in the United States of America (US) has decreased with continued displacement to Mexico. This has been caused by a number of factors such as the circumvention of chemical sales and importation restrictions by Mexican drug trafficking organisations (NDIC, 2007a). Domestic production and consumption of methylamphetamine in South Africa has also increased (UNODC, 2007a). The detection of a large-scale ATS laboratory in Malaysia in 2006 highlights the continued role of South-East Asia as a global ATS production hub. In particular, large-scale ATS production and trafficking remains prevalent in Myanmar. The US Department of State has noted that drug syndicates continue to operate freely along Myanmar s borders with China and Thailand (BINLEA, 2007). In 2006, approximately eight tonnes of crystal methylamphetamine was reported seized in the East Asia and Pacific regions, compared to approximately seven tonnes in 2005 (UNODC, 2007). In spite of global efforts to combat the ATS precursor trade, criminal syndicates have continued to successfully divert substantial quantities of ATS precursors into illicit manufacture. Internationally, the diversion of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, as well as other ATS precursor chemicals, remains a significant area of concern. In 2006, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) noted a series of diversions or attempted diversions of multi-tonne consignments of pseudoephedrine between several African countries. Countries in the European Union (EU) have emerged as important transhipment points for the movement of ATS precursors from West Africa to Mexico (INCB, 2006). In , the Australian Federal Police (AFP) seized approximately 58 kilograms of ATS (excluding MDMA) and 467 kilograms 1 of precursor chemicals. This included the April 2007 seizure of 125 kilograms of phenylacetic acid consigned from India and 44 kilograms of ephedrine from Vietnam in March Figure includes detections of MDMA precursors. 2 Statistics are drawn from the EIS report run on 25 September Due to time differences between seizure, full deconstruction and forensic analysis dates, final seizure weights may vary. 14 ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

6 The production, trafficking and use of MDMA have remained prevalent in several countries. In the United Kingdom (UK), an estimated 500,000 2,000,000 MDMA tablets are consumed weekly (SOCA, 2006). The Netherlands and Belgium remain the primary manufacture and supply points of MDMA to the global market, with syndicates operating in various EU countries (UNODC, 2007a). MDMA manufacture continues to be noted in non-traditional MDMA producing countries, such as Canada (UNODC, 2007a; NDIC, 2007). China remains a predominant source of MDMA precursors for the global market (Fowler, Kinner and Krenske, 2007). Precursors, illicit drugs and chemical waste from ATS manufacture are being regularly trafficked between EU countries to complete production, tableting, packaging and waste dumping operations (Europol, 2006). Domestic trends Australian border situation The Australian Customs Service (Customs) regularly detects methylamphetamine, crystal methylamphetamine and tablets containing other ATS. 3 The trend of importing multiple, small quantity consignments has continued, with detections of ATS (excluding phenethylamines) increasing from 423 in to 743 in However, over this period, the total weight of ATS (excluding phenethylamines) detected at the border decreased from 88 kilograms to 27.4 kilograms (see Figure 1). 3 The Australian Customs Service Annual Report defines amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) as including methylamphetamine and amphetamine but excluding MDMA (ecstasy) (Australian Customs Service, 2007). Amphetamine-type stimulants 15

7 Figure 1: Number and weight of detections of ATS (excluding phenethylamines) at the Australian border, to (Source: Australian Customs Service) Weight Number Weight (kg) Number Year Over 95 percent of detected ATS (excluding phenethylamines) importations in were in the postal stream. In this period, importations via the postal stream also accounted for 46 percent of the total weight of detected ATS (excluding phenethylamines), an increase from 28 percent in There were no sea cargo shipments detected in (see Figures 2 and 3). Only 24 out of 743 border detections of ATS (excluding phenethylamines) contained 100 grams or more of these drugs. Of these, 13 originated 4 in North America (11 in Canada), and 7 in South-East Asia. It is noted that there has been a major increase in the number of detections of ATS (excluding phenethylamines) from Canada. 4 The term originated describes the origin of the transport stage into Australia; otherwise referred to as the embarkation point. 16 ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

8 Figure 2: Number of detections of ATS (excluding phenethylamines) at the Australian border, as a proportion of total detections, by method of importation, (Source: Australian Customs Service) Air Cargo (3.1%) Air Passenger/Crew (1.5%) Parcels Post (95.4%) Figure 3: Weight of detections of ATS (excluding phenethylamines) at the Australian border, as a proportion of total weight, by method of importation, (Source: Australian Customs Service) Air Cargo (43.1%) Air Passenger/Crew (11.3%) Parcels Post (45.6%) Amphetamine-type stimulants 17

9 The number of MDMA detections at the Australian border has declined from 135 in to 113 in However, the total weight of detections increased by 1,104 percent in , up from kilograms in to kilograms (see Figure 4). Only 11 out of 113 MDMA detections were above one kilogram. These accounted for 99.8 percent of the weight of MDMA detected at the Australian border in Figure 4: Number and weight of detections of phenethylamines at the Australian border, to (Source: Australian Customs Service) Weight (kg) Number Weight (kg) Number 50 0 Year The majority of detections (by number) occurred in the postal stream. In terms of weight, the largest proportion of detections occurred in sea cargo, with an increase from 91 percent in to 95 percent in There was also an increase in air cargo detections. These accounted for 4 percent of the total weight in , compared to 0.02 percent in (see Figures 5 and 6). 18 ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

10 Figure 5: Number of detections of phenethylamines at the Australian border, as a proportion of total detections, by method of importation, (Source: Australian Customs Service) Air Cargo (1.8%) Air Passenger/Crew (6.2%) Parcels Post (88.5%) Sea Cargo (3.5%) Figure 6: Weight of detections of phenethylamines at the Australian border, as a proportion of total weight, by method of importation, (Source: Australian Customs Service) Air Cargo (4.0%) Air Passenger/Crew (0.1%) Parcels Post (0.7%) Sea Cargo (95.2%) Amphetamine-type stimulants 19

11 Significant border detections Significant border detections of ATS (excluding phenethylamines) in included: 1.5 kilograms of crystal methylamphetamine was detected in lever-arched folders consigned as air cargo from Canada to Sydney on 21 March kilograms of methylamphetamine concealed in a vacuum-sealed plastic bag between two magazines, in air cargo from the US, was detected in Sydney on 14 December kilogram of crystal methylamphetamine was detected in the walls of a green felt box consigned as air cargo from Canada to Sydney on 30 March kilograms of crystal methylamphetamine was detected in a plastic statue on a wooden plaque, consigned as air cargo from Canada to Melbourne on 29 March In the period of May to June 2007, over 130 attempted importations of crystal methylamphetamine were detected in letter class mail from Canada. Significant border detections of MDMA in included: 4,422 kilograms of MDMA tablets sent from Italy were detected on 28 June This is the largest single detection of MDMA at the Australian border. 113 kilograms of bulk MDMA powder sent from Israel was detected in Sydney on 31 March The powder was estimated to be sufficient to manufacture at least 1.2 million tablets. 31 kilograms of MDMA tablets, concealed in computer monitors and shipped by sea cargo from Canada to Brisbane, were detected on 9 September This shipment also contained 135 kilograms of cocaine. Precursors ATS precursors, especially ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, continue to be imported into Australia. This is evident by the large quantities imported through the air cargo stream in The two largest shipments were linked: 68 kilograms of ephedrine powder was detected in cosmetic packs and cosmetic creams in air cargo from Vietnam to Sydney on 24 March 2007; and 20 ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

12 45 kilograms of ephedrine powder was detected in cosmetic products from Vietnam to Sydney on 14 March As domestic restrictions on ephedrine tighten, it is expected that bulk importations of ATS precursors will continue. There were no significant detections of MDMA precursors in Potential MDMA precursors that may be sought include safrole (in the form of safrole-rich, natural oils) and piperonylmethylketone (PMK, also known as 3,4-MDP-2-P), a liquid MDMA precursor. PMK is reported to be the main substance used in the production of MDMA in Western Europe. Embarkation points Approximately 29 percent of the number of ATS (excluding MDMA) detections originated from India, 19 percent from Canada and 15 percent from the Netherlands. In , detected methylamphetamine importations originated, in weight order, from, Canada (83 percent of total weight), the US, Malaysia, South Africa, Vietnam, the Philippines, the UK, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Greece, Spain, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, New Zealand and Romania. Phentermine, a weight-loss promoting drug, contributes to Customs ATS detection statistics. Phentermine is generally imported for personal use from countries where it is legally available without prescription, mainly from India, the Netherlands, Germany and South-East Asia. The large number of attempts to import phentermine tablets by mail order, which are captured by ATS detection statistics, complicates the analysis of embarkation points of ATS imported to Australia. Countries of embarkation for MDMA shipments weighing over one kilogram were, in weight order, Italy (85 percent of total weight), the Netherlands, Belgium, Israel, Canada, the UK, Taiwan, Vietnam, the US and Ireland. The majority of the world s MDMA is produced in the Netherlands and Belgium (UNODC, 2007a). The majority of these countries of embarkation reflect the traditional European origin of MDMA trafficking to Australia. Amphetamine-type stimulants 21

13 Domestic market indicators According to a 2007 national study of regular ecstasy users, use of any form of methylamphetamine (powder, base or crystal) decreased from 82 percent in 2006 to 71 percent in Frequency of use remained low, with powder, base or crystal being used approximately once a month or less (Black et al., 2007). A 2006 national study of regular ecstasy users reported that 64 percent of respondents used speed or powder in the six months preceding interview. This was followed by crystal at 49 percent and base at 34 percent of respondents (Dunn et al., 2007). Reports have identified a recent trend of increased crystal methylamphetamine use in specific public places such as nightclubs and pubs (Schloenhardt, 2007). A national study of injecting drug users reported that frequency of use of methylamphetamine (powder, base or crystal) remained relatively stable. Overall, recent methylamphetamine use remains high, with more than 70 percent of respondents reporting use in the six months preceding interview. The same study also reported that 21 percent of the respondents nominated methylamphetamine as their drug of choice (Black, Stafford and Degenhardt, 2007a). The domestic illicit manufacture of methylamphetamine continues to be a problem, with precursors such as pseudoephedrine being extracted from commercially available pharmaceuticals (Fowler, Kinner and Krenske, 2007). The national implementation of Project STOP may assist in reducing the diversion of these pharmaceuticals to the illicit market for use in the domestic manufacture of methylamphetamine. Whilst Project STOP is a national initiative, its nationwide implementation is not complete. Project STOP is a real-time online recording system which aims to restrict the misuse of pseudoephedrine-based medications. The online system is a decision support tool for pharmacists to help them distinguish legitimate customers from potential pseudo runners. The system also allows police and health authorities real-time access to the data. It employs global positioning system (GPS) mapping, allowing the movements of potential pseudo runners to be graphically displayed in real time. 22 ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

14 Successfully trialled in Queensland since October 2005, Project STOP has contributed to a 23 percent decrease in the number of clandestine laboratories detected in Queensland, from 209 in to 161 in (The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, 2007). However, any reductions in domestic supply could see an increase in border detections of precursor chemicals as drug manufacturers search for alternate sources. As reported overseas, there may also be increases in other types of crimes such as the use of fraudulent identities to obtain precursors (NDIC, 2007a). Although MDMA continues to be imported into Australia, there is continued evidence of significant domestic illicit manufacture. Recent seizures of precursor chemicals and clandestine laboratories indicate MDMA is still being domestically produced. Nationally, the number of MDMA clandestine laboratories detected have fluctuated over recent years. Figures varied from 24 in , 7 in to 19 in It is emphasised that the number of detections may not be a true indicator of the potential size of MDMA production. In New South Wales, MDMA clandestine laboratories have been identified containing multi-hundred litre reaction vessels. These indicate a potential for significant domestic production capacity. According to a 2007 national study of regular ecstasy users, use and availability levels remain consistent with previous years. Approximately one quarter of respondents reported using ecstasy once per week or more often (Black et al., 2007). Although trends indicate a stabilisation in use and availability, the World Drug Report 2007 nominated Australia as having the world s highest level of ecstasy use in the general population (Schloenhardt, 2007; UNODC, 2007a). Price Nationally, the price of crystal methylamphetamine ranged from $200 to $500 per gram. The highest price was reported in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, with the lowest also reported in New South Wales. The price of non-crystal methylamphetamine ranged from $50 to $380 per gram. The highest reported price was in Tasmania and the lowest was reported in South Australia. Across the reporting jurisdictions, the street price for a single MDMA tablet/capsule has remained relatively unchanged. In Tasmania, the price of MDMA tablets increased from a range of $25 $40 in to a price of $40 in In Victoria, the price of MDMA decreased from a minimum price of $21 per tablet in to $14 in New South Wales reported the largest range in price, with tablets costing from $30 to $60 each. Amphetamine-type stimulants 23

15 Purity The purity levels listed in this report are not representative of all drug seizures. Not all drugs seized by police are subject to forensic analysis and, in some instances, seized drugs are only analysed for contested court proceedings. Therefore, the purity figures reflected in this report are an unrepresentative sample of the illicit drugs available in Australia. Overall, seizures by the AFP will generally be of higher purity as border seizures are likely to contain a lower concentration of additives and cutting agents. It is difficult to assess the actual purity levels of crystal methylamphetamine in the community. Purity levels of methylamphetamine may be influenced by the use of adulterants, such as dimethylsulphone. Dimethylsulphone (also known as MSM) is a dietary supplement for arthritis sufferers which may be added during the final stages of the production process to give a similar appearance to crystal methylamphetamine (NDIC, 2002; Fetherston and Lenton, 2006). Hence, some users may believe they are consuming a higher purity form of methylamphetamine when they may be consuming a lower purity form with a crystal appearance. Research on drug use amongst police detainees (incorporating surveys and urinalysis) indicates discrepancies between urinalysis results and self reported data for MDMA. Approximately two percent of the police detainees tested positive to MDMA. Of the 10 percent who stated they had used MDMA in the past 48 hours, only 56 percent tested positive to MDMA. According to urinalysis, of the 44 percent who did not test positive to MDMA, nearly half tested positive to methylamphetamine (Mouzos et al., 2007). This highlights that drugs sold as MDMA or ecstasy may contain little or no MDMA. Since 2002, the purity levels of amphetamine have fluctuated considerably across the jurisdictions (see Figure 7). The median purity level of amphetamines in Australia ranged from 0.4 percent to 59.5 percent in However, it should be noted that spikes in purity levels may be the result of analysis of a small sample only and may not be indicative of general purity. The purity levels of methylamphetamine and phenethylamines have remained relatively stable across the jurisdictions since 2005 (see Figures 8 and 9). Nationally, the median purity level of methylamphetamine ranged from 7.3 percent to 25.8 percent in Methylamphetamine purity levels decreased in New South Wales and South Australia during the second quarter of ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

16 The median purity level of phenethylamines in Australia ranged from 21 percent to 54.7 percent in The purity level of phenethylamines increased slightly in New South Wales and Victoria during the second quarter of Figure 7: Median purity of amphetamine samples, to NSW VIC QLD SA WA ACT Purity (%) q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q Quarter Amphetamine-type stimulants 25

17 Figure 8: Median purity of methylamphetamine samples, to NSW VIC QLD SA WA ACT Purity (%) q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q Quarter Figure 9: Median purity of phenethylamines samples, to NSW VIC QLD SA WA ACT 40 Purity (%) q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q Quarter 26 ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

18 Availability A national study of injecting drug users reported the availability of methylamphetamine (speed and base) as very easy or easy to obtain in most jurisdictions. Seventy-eight percent of respondents considered crystal or ice to be easy or very easy to obtain (O Brien et al., 2007). Similarly, MDMA5 was also considered by injecting drug users to be very easy or easy to obtain in all jurisdictions in 2006 (Black et al., 2007). Clandestine laboratories A moderate decrease in clandestine laboratory detections was reported in While detections are still higher than those reported a decade ago, they appear to have stabilised (see Figure 10). The stabilisation of laboratory detections may in part be due to product rescheduling and restrictions placed on the purchase of pseudoephedrine-based pharmaceutical products. The rescheduling of the majority of these products resulted in tighter restrictions on purchases, such as the presentation of photographic identification and recording of customer details. Medications containing greater concentrations of pseudoephedrine are now listed as Schedule 4 drugs, requiring them to be sold by prescription only. However, the stabilisation of laboratory detections may also have been impacted upon by the further implementation of Project STOP. Initially trialled in Queensland, Project STOP is to be implemented throughout the country as part of the National Strategy to Prevent the Diversion of Precursor Chemicals into Illicit Drug Manufacture (The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, 2007). Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory all reported increases in clandestine laboratory detections in Of these, the most significant increase was seen in Victoria. New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory all reported decreases in detections. The most significant decrease was reported in Queensland from 161 detections in to 132 in The majority of detected ATS clandestine laboratories in Australia utilise the hypophosphorous acid method of production, which requires pseudoephedrine as a precursor (see Table 3). 5 Results of NDARC surveys conducted related to the respondent s knowledge of tablets sold as MDMA, regardless of their actual composition. Amphetamine-type stimulants 27

19 In , ATS clandestine laboratory detections (see Table 4) decreased by 11 percent (from 280 to 249) and MDMA clandestine laboratory detections increased by 171 percent (from 7 to 19). Homebake heroin clandestine laboratory detections increased by 125 percent (from 4 to 9). Homebake heroin is further discussed in the chapter entitled Heroin. New South Wales experienced an increase from 7 MDMA clandestine laboratories in to 16 in The detection of five clandestine laboratories in the Australian Capital Territory was responsible for the overall increase in homebake heroin clandestine laboratory detections. In , Western Australia was the only jurisdiction to report homebake heroin clandestine laboratory detections. The number of homebake heroin detections in Western Australia in this reporting period remained unchanged at four. Figure 10: Total national clandestine laboratory detections, to Number Year 28 ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

20 Table 2: Number of clandestine laboratory detections, by state and territory, to NSW VIC QLD SA WA TAS NT ACT Total Table 3: Number a of ATS clandestine laboratory detections, by method of production and state and territory, State/territory Hypophosphorous Red phosphorous Nazi method P2P PSE b extraction NSW Vic Qld SA WA Tas NT ACT Total a. These figures exclude unknown production processes and non ATS drug types. b. Pseudoephedrine extraction. Total Amphetamine-type stimulants 29

21 Table 4: Number of clandestine laboratory detections, by drug production types and state and territory, State/territory ATS a MDMA Cocaine extraction Homebake heroin Other Total NSW Vic Qld SA WA Tas NT ACT Total a. Excludes MDMA. Seizures and arrests The number of national ATS seizures in is the highest on record (see Figure 11). Compared to the previous reporting period, the number of seizures increased by 33 percent in Jurisdictional breakdowns of seizure numbers and weights are shown in Table 5. In , the number of seizures increased in all jurisdictions, with the exception of South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. New South Wales reported the largest increase in seizure numbers. The highest percentage increase in seizure numbers occurred in Tasmania, which increased by 118 percent. As a result of the significant border detection of MDMA in June 2007, the weight of national ATS seizures in was the highest on record. In comparison to , there was a 320 percent increase in the weight of national ATS seizures. Victoria reported the highest seizure weight and the greatest percentage weight increase. A considerable increase in seizure weight was also reported in Queensland and Tasmania. Decreases in seizure weights were reported in South Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. 30 ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

22 Nationally, there was a 28 percent increase in the number of ATS arrests when compared to (see Table 6). With the exception of South Australia, all jurisdictions reported an increase in ATS arrests in Figure 11: National ATS seizures, by weight and number, to ,000 Weight (kg) Number 14,000 5,000 12,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1, Weight (kg) 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 Number 0 Year Table 5: Number, weight and percentage change of national ATS seizures, and Number Weight (grams) State/territory a % change % change NSW 3,040 4,436r 45.9r 677, ,398r 24.9r Vic 795 1,442r 81.4r 493,737 4,449,469r 801.2r Qld 2,492 2, ,281 98, SA ,942 7, WA 2,891 3,828r 32.4r 25,165 34,926r 38.8r Tas , NT r 28.0r 7,251 1,413r -80.5r ACT ,942 1, Total 9,987 13,243r 32.6r 1,296,624 5,442,993r 319.8r a. Includes seizures by state/territory police and AFP for which a valid seizure weight was recorded. Amphetamine-type stimulants 31

23 Table 6: Number and percentage change of national ATS arrests, and Arrests State/ territory a % change NSW 2,462 3,416r 38.8 Vic 2,838 3,407r 20.0 Qld 3,844 4, SA WA 1,903 3, Tas NT ACT Total 11,848 15, a. Includes arrests by state/territory police and AFP. National impact In , the number of border detections of ATS (excluding phenethylamines) increased by 76 percent. The majority of these were detected through the postal stream. However, the weight of ATS (excluding phenethylamines) detections at the border decreased approximately 69 percent. Of the total weight of methylamphetamine border detections, 83 percent were from Canada. Canada also accounted for 78 percent of the total number of methylamphetamine detections. The number of phenethylamine detections at the border decreased in , with the majority of detections occurring through the postal stream. The total weight of detections increased by 1,104 percent in , with sea cargo detections accounting for 95 percent of the total weight. Considerable quantities of ATS precursors, such as ephedrine, are also being detected at the border. Continued significant detections of ATS precursor chemicals may also indicate the existence of a stable domestic market. 32 ILLICIT DRUG DATA REPORT

24 Despite a moderate decrease in the number of clandestine laboratory detections during , the number of detections have remained relatively stable since The domestic manufacture of methylamphetamine continues to dominate the ATS market in Australia. Recent decreases in laboratory detections may be attributable to the restrictions placed on pseudoephedrine-based products in Australia. These restrictions may lead to changes in ATS manufacturing methods and the sourcing of precursors (for example, increased importation of precursors or finished ATS product). Increases in MDMA clandestine laboratory detections also indicate potential growth in local MDMA manufacture, but do not necessarily reflect a significant change in overall user demand. Both the weight and number of national ATS seizures are the highest on record. Since , the weight of ATS seizures increased 320 percent, with the number of seizures increasing by 33 percent. There was also a 28 percent increase in the number of national ATS arrests. The increases in ATS seizures and arrests may indicate a significant increase in its use and availability. Historically, cannabis has accounted for the greatest proportion of the total weight of national illicit drug seizures. In this reporting period, ATS seizures accounted for 46 percent while cannabis accounted for 41 percent. As a result, ATS was the predominant illicit drug seized. Amphetamine-type stimulants 33

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