Drug Seizures May Suggest a Drug War Victory – But the Reality is Very Different
The mainstream media has for many years acted as a vehicle for law enforcement agencies across our nation to market drug raids as a positive step in the decades-long war against drugs. But the fact of the matter is the...
Prohibition is Failing to Reduce the Social, Economic and Health Risks of Illicit Drugs
Federal law enforcement agencies are boasting of two “major drug seizures” during a 48 hour “blitz” at Sydney Airport from 21 to 23 September 2024. But drug reform experts assert that such “victories” are merely a pin prick to the...
Defending Drug Charges: Putting the Prosecution to Proof and Raising Available Defences
If you have been charged with a drug offence, it is vital to be aware that each of these offences contains several ‘essential elements’ (or ingredients) which the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt – the prosecution will fail if...
What is the Knowledge Requirement for Drug Importation in Australia?
The Australian Federal Police arrested a man at Melbourne International Airport last week, over allegations he attempted to import 6 kilograms of heroin concealed in his luggage. The 67-year old Canberra resident was returning from a trip to Manila, Thailand...
Your Guide To New South Wales LSD (‘Acid’) Laws
Lysergic acid diethylamide, which is also known as LSD or ‘acid’, was the ultimate psychedelic of 1960s counterculture, epitomising the credo of “turn on, tune in, drop out”. However, supplying or even possessing the drug in New South Wales could...
Your Guide To New South Wales MDMA (‘Ecstacy’) Laws
The substance known scientifically as 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is commonly known as MDMA or ‘ecstasy’. The drug has been around for decades, and remains a popular party drug, particularly amongst young adults. According to the latest national statistics 12.5% of Australians have...
Your Guide to New South Wales Methamphetamine (“Ice”) Laws
Crystal methamphetamine (“meth” or “ice) remains a popular recreational drug in Australia amongst a small but persistent group of users. According to the latest national statistics just under 6% of Australians have used methamphetamine in their lifetime and 1.3% have...
Your Guide to New South Wales Cocaine Laws
Cocaine use is on the rise in Australia with the latest national statistics finding 11% of Australians have used cocaine in their lifetime and 4% have used in the past 12 months. Here’s a summary of the laws, penalties and...
Is it a Criminal Offence to Import Ozempic Without A Prescription?
Ozempic is a diabetes drug turned fat loss medication, which has been skyrocketing in popularity. Supplies for Ozempic in Australia are at an all time low, with many desperate dieters looking to overseas sellers to get their supply. But is...
Criminal Offences Relating to Drug Precursors
Most people are familiar with the various criminal laws applying to the possession, importation and supply of illicit drugs, however less known is that laws also apply to drug ‘precursors’ or chemicals that can be used to manufacture illicit drugs....
