The new Precursor Chemicals Information Resource (PCIR) launched today by the Hon Michael Keenan MP, Minister for Justice together with the Australian Crime Commission, is an important step forward in Australia’s fight against illicit drug manufacture, PACIA said today.
PACIA CEO Ms Samantha Read said, “The production of illicit drugs puts lives at risk, is extremely damaging for families and communities, and undermines legitimate business. The Australian chemistry industry takes the diversion of precursor chemicals for illicit drug manufacture very seriously.”
“We welcome this new resource developed by the Australian Crime Commission. The PCIR will practically assist businesses across the legitimate chemical supply chain, whose products are at risk of being diverted to illicit drug manufacture, by detailing indicators to look out for. It will help these businesses to better understand the drug manufacturing techniques and chemical enablers currently or potentially being used by organised crime groups.
“The Australian chemistry industry also understands the important role it plays in helping combat illicit drug manufacture. Armed with up to date information on precursor chemicals through the PCIR, our members will remain alert to suspicious activity and committed to help control the diversion of chemical substances into the illicit drug market.
“The PCIR builds on the leadership and initiatives demonstrated by the Australian chemistry industry over many decades in tackling this critical issue. In 1994 PACIA, in partnership with the Science Industry of Australia (SIA), developed a Code of Practice for Supply Diversion into Illicit Drug Manufacture to provide practical guidance on best-practice systems. The Code was instrumental in forming the foundation of the state and territory legislation currently in force, including measures such as End User Declarations (EUDs), delayed supply and no cash sales.
“We congratulate the Federal Government and the Australian Crime Commission, and look forward to continuing to work actively with them on this continuously evolving issue,” said Ms Read.
Media contact: Krista Imberger – [email protected] or 0439 318 290
PACIA is the national voice for the strategically significant $45 billion Australian chemistry industry, one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the country. The industry employs more than 64,000 people and contributes more than $11.5 billion to GDP in industry value add. Ranging in size from small family-owned businesses to national and multi-national enterprises, PACIA members include chemicals manufacturers, importers and distributors, logistics and supply chain partners, raw material suppliers, plastics fabricators and compounders, chemicals and plastics recyclers and service providers to the industry.
