The use of illegal drugs and the misuse of legalised or prescribed drugs has an affect on community safety and levels of crime. The impacts of drug use are not limited to crime, but are far broader, affecting the health and well-being of individual South Australians and our community generally.

South Australia Police (SAPOL) is committed to preventing and reducing crime and public disorder arising from drug use of any kind.  This includes legal drugs such as alcohol and illicit drugs such as cannabis, amphetamine and heroin so we can make South Australia a safe place to live, visit and conduct business.

SAPOL actively uses a problem solving approach when dealing with drug issues and works in partnership with government, non-government and the community to combat the harms associated with drug use.

SAPOL has several 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.

The National Drug Strategy 2004-2009

The National Drug Strategy (NDS) 2004 - 2009 is a cooperative venture between the Australian, state and territory governments and the non-government sector to improve the health, social and economic outcomes for Australians by preventing the uptake of harmful drug use and reducing the harmful effects of licit and illicit drugs in our society. You can find out more about the strategy at www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au.

The SAPOL response is part of a balanced approach to reducing the harms associated with drug use in general. Our philosophies and operational procedures are based upon the principles of harm minimisation as outlined in the NDS.

The NDS refers to policies and programs aimed at preventing anticipated drug related harm as well as reducing actual harm and encompasses:

• Supply reduction strategies to disrupt the production and supply of illicit drugs and the control and regulation of licit substances;
• Demand reduction strategies to prevent the uptake of harmful drug use, including abstinence orientated strategies to reduce drug use; and
• Harm reduction strategies to reduce drug related harm to individuals and communities.

It is complemented, supported and integrated with a variety of national, state, territory, government and non-government strategies, plans and initiatives, such as the National Cannabis Strategy 2006-2009 and the National Alcohol Strategy 2006-2009.

What is SAPOL doing?

As well as the daily role and duties performed by all police officers SAPOL also has specialist areas and programs which work together to provide a focus on drug related crime, public disorder and harms within the community.

Operational / Investigations

Drug Investigation Branch

SAPOL's Drug Investigation 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.

Operation Mantle

Operation Mantle was established with a focus towards disrupting the illicit drug market place 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

Policy Direction

Drug and Alcohol Policy Section

Drug and Alcohol Policy Section (DAPS) is an area which 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 drug [note use of alcohol and other drug here] problems. DAPS 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.

What can I do?

Clandestine drug labs are dangerous , they are used to produce illegal drugs which can create fumes which are dangerous to your health and they also can explode and catch on fire - they place everyone in the community at risk. 

If you suspect a clandestine laboratory in your area, notify police immediately or call BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1 800 333 000.

Drugs, alcohol and driving

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

It is an offence to drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.05 or above OR with THC, methylamphetamine or MDMA present in your 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)

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