Ice Is In Demand

The illicit drug ICE (methamphetamine) continues to be a problem for Australia.

Of alleged criminals held in custody in Australia 21 per cent tested positive for ICE.

Foreign traffickers are seeking to take advantage of the potential for profits from the market in ICE.

Border authorities in Australia are intercepting large quantities of precursor chemicals used to manufacture ICE in Australia.

Two record seizures of ICE were made in Sydney in 2012 which highlighted the substantial domestic demand for this illicit drug.

(Source: International Narcotics Control Board report released 5 March 2013)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-

ICE is a highly dangerous illicit drug which is highly addictive and can cause injury to the human brain.

ICE users are aggressive or are psychotic making them likely to be at emergency wards of hospitals or in police custody.

Laboratories that manufacture ICE are operated by criminal syndicates seeking the huge profits from the high demand.

An estimated 1.5 million Australians have tried ICE at some time in the past.

Because of the highly addictive nature of ICE, all identified users should be diverted into mandatory rehabilitation to get them free of their addiction and to protect the wider community.