Startling increase in drug seizures

[postman]

CANNABIS seizures have more than doubled in South Australia, but arrests have increased by only 6 per cent.

 

The national Illicit Drug Data Report released yesterday also shows a massive increase in the amount of amphetamines seized by police, from about 5kg in 2004-05 to more than 66kg in 2005-06.

 

The report from the Australian Crime Commission shows there were more than 500 cannabis seizures in the 2005-06 financial year, compared to 251 the year before.

 

The weight of cannabis seized has also doubled, to almost 8000kg.

 

However, there was only a 6 per cent increase in arrests and a 15 per cent increase in the number of cannabis expiation notices.

 

The overall level of arrests was less than it was four years ago.

 

In 2001-02 there were 2377 arrests, compared to 1604 last financial year.

 

Police Minister Paul Holloway said the figures demonstrated the success of police tactics.

 

"The fact that our police are becoming more pro-active and successful in cracking down on cannabis possession is not only leading to more seizures and arrests, but is also leading to a reduction in the number of people using the drug," he said.

 

The report also showed clandestine drug laboratory detections have steadied at about 50 a year. However, this number had increased dramatically over the past decade. In 1997-98 only seven labs were found, and in 2000-01 it was 24.

 

The number of amphetamine seizures is up by 30 per cent, with 268 in the past year.

 

Opposition substance abuse spokeswoman Michelle Lensink said the report showed police were doing their best but more needed to be done to tackle the "growing problem".

 

"I think the things that are effective against drug use are police resources that are devoted to tackling drug supply, plus education for children and effective rehabilitation services," she said. "We don't have enough drug rehabilitation services at all."

 

She said the Liberal Party had supported tougher legislation to make people attend rehabilitation and to address the availability of drug paraphernalia.

 

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0...28-2682,00.html

[Mushaman]

They just keep giving themselves more powers ... its really starting to feel like the future ... scrutinized over everything we do....

[Ruen]

is an arrest only counted when it leads to charges and or a conviction?

[WantDaChronic]

is an arrest only counted when it leads to charges and or a conviction?

 

an arrest is counted when they say your are being arrested, it doesnt matter wether you have anything on you at the time or what ever ie. they can arrest someone on suspicion of possessing drugs, but even if they are found to be carrying nothing and are 100% sobre, it still counts to the official arrest count