IF it wasn’t already abundantly clear, the latest national drug report confirms Australia has an ice problem.
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Seizures of amphetamines and arrests for amphetamine offences in 2013-14 were the highest on record.
The actual weight seized was down on 2012-13 but still the second highest ever.
Australian Crime Commission chief executive Chris Dawson said methylamphetamines were wreaking havoc in every state and territory, ruining lives, families and communities.
“We are now seeing demand for methylamphetamines in areas where the drug has not previously been a significant issue,” he said in the report.
“This includes urban and rural areas and disadvantaged communities where it is having a destructive impact.”
Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the report showed Australian law enforcement agencies seized a record 27 tonnes of illicit drugs in 93,000 seizures and made more than 110,000 arrests.
“While there is no doubt we are disrupting more criminal and detecting more illicit drugs than ever before, the illicit drug market remains the principle source of profit for organised crime and continues to be a key focus for law enforcement,” he said.
The illicit drug data report is prepared annually by the ACC, compiling information from federal, state and territory police and Customs.
The report identifies a number of changes in the Australian drug market.
Weight of heroin seized was down 71 per cent but for the first time, heroin originating in South America was detected.
Performance and image enhancing drugs, mostly steroids, continue to be seized in big numbers with 6885 busts, down from the 10,356 in 2012-13.