Illicit Drugs and the Police Response

SAPOL has different specialist areas and policing operations which are aimed at specific elements of the illicit drug market. This enables us to remain progressive and responsive to contemporary drug related issues.

Drug Investigation Branch

This branch is actively involved in a number of activities including:

• surveillance and analysis of the drug market
• disrupting street level offending
• minimising the influence of high level dealers and traffickers in the drugs marketplace
• investigating, targeting and disrupting the criminal activity of individuals and groups who are involved in the manufacture and supply of illicit drugs
• seizing illicit drug commodities and clandestine drug laboratories.

Chemical Diversion Desk

The South Australia Police Chemical Diversion Desk is responsible for monitoring and investigating the diversion of chemicals and equipment for illicit purposes and provides a central point of contact for the chemical industry.

Drug producers require various precursor chemicals, pharmaceuticals, reagents, solvents and scientific equipment to manufacture illicit drugs. Likewise persons manufacturing explosives and explosive devices often purchase chemicals and scientific equipment. Partnerships and liaison with industry and community sources is a critical means of chemical diversion control and offender detection.

The role and function of the desk is supported by legislation (Controlled Substances Act 1984, Controlled Substances [Poisons] Regulations 1996) requiring mandatory report or recording of specific chemical sales and an industry code of conduct.

For all enquiries or reports regarding chemical diversion please call (08) 8172 5182 or 0417 069 096.

Operation Mantle

Operation Mantle was established with a focus towards disrupting the illicit drug marketplace and localised drug dealing at street level. The operation is conducted in six metropolitan Local Service Areas and also works in partnership with regional and country areas. The aim of the operation is to reduce crime and community harms associated with illicit drugs.

Drug and Alcohol Policy Section

This section is responsible for identification, evaluation and analysis of strategic issues and developments in policing at local, national and international levels in relation to alcohol and other drugs. Drug and Alcohol Policy Section also liaises extensively with key agencies to facilitate interaction and cooperation between Federal and State Government and community groups to address alcohol and other drug related issues.

Drug Action Teams

These are locally based committees, with representatives from a range of community agencies such as local government, education providers, health and welfare services, community correction officers, youth sector workers, illicit drug user groups and community housing organisations in collaboration with SAPOL. Drug Action Teams focus on reducing the impact of substance use within local communities, and are formed on either a geographic basis or for a specific interest or target group (for example, youth). The teams bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to share information, build partnerships, and develop collaborative responses to local problems associated with harmful alcohol and other drug use.

Police Drug Diversion Initiative (PDDI)

The Police Drug Diversion Initiative (PDDI) is funded by the Federal Government through the Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative, and operates in collaboration with SAPOL, SA Health and non-government service providers. The primary focus of the initiative is the diversion of illicit drug users into assessment and treatment, based on the premise that the intervention will break the cycle of their offending, resulting in a reduction in crime within the community. The Police Drug Diversion Initiative aims:

• to provide people with early incentives to address their drug use, in many cases before incurring a criminal record
• to increase the number of illicit drug users diverted into drug education, assessment and treatment
• to reduce the number of people appearing before the courts for use or possession of small quantities of illicit drugs.

The Office of Crime Statistics and Research has completed an evaluation of the Police Drug Diversion Initiative. For further information, click here.

Project STOP

Project STOP is a decision making tool for pharmacists aimed at preventing the use of pseudoephedrine based products to manufacture methamphetamine. The system works by helping pharmacists to determine patients' therapeutic needs.

Clandestine Drug Labs

Clandestine drug labs are dangerous as they are used to produce illegal drugs which can create fumes that are dangerous to an individual's health. Clandestine drug labs can also explode and catch on fire - they place everyone in the community at risk.

Individual's that suspect there is a clandestine laboratory in their area should notify police immediately or call BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1 800 333 000.

Signs to look for include:

• Strong odours coming from the property
• Windows covered (or blacked out) for complete privacy
• Property, individual rooms or shed always locked
• Haze coming from the property
• Rental tenant not allowing access for inspections
• Enclosed carports at tenant's expense
• Extra exhaust fans installed at tenant's expense
• Installation of cameras or security systems at the tenant's expense
• Empty prescription/medication packets
• Chemical containers lying around
• Stains on bench tops
• Evidence that the fuse box has been tampered with
• Electricity meter box 'wheel' spinning rapidly
• Excessive water usage
• Large flood lights
• Excessive irrigation equipment.

Drugs, alcohol and driving

Drivers can be stopped at random and tested for blood alcohol levels and drugs.

It is an offence for a person to drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.05 or above OR with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), Methylamphetamine or MDMA present in their oral fluid or blood.

South Australia Police conduct random roadside oral saliva tests to detect the presence of three illegal drugs:

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis)
• Methylamphetamine (also known as speed, ice or crystal meth)
• MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine also known as ecstasy)

For further information about drink/drug driving, click on the links:

• Drug Driving
• Drink Driving