National Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Strategy Background Paper

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6.8 Multilateral approaches
In recent years, a focus on policing the supply of precursor chemicals has shifted towards
a pluralised approach, whereby the responsibility for chemical diversion is dispersed
among many different agencies and community groups (McKetin et al., 2005). Support for
partnerships was expressed in the consultations, with a view that states and territories are
developing good linkages, and effective strategic and operational initiatives. The National
Precursor Working Group was seen as an important body for legislation and strategic planning
involving precursors, pill presses and other apparatus, and the application of the model
criminal code. Project Stop was recognised as a good example of how coordinating policy
across the country and in consultation with the pharmaceutical industry can effect change.
In most discussions at consultations on best practice for ATS precursor diversion, it was
noted that there are limitations to intervening on ATS proliferation via precursor strategies
alone. Given the resourcefulness of organised crime groups, some research has argued
that the effects of interrupting the supply of precursors (such as an escalation of street price,
a reduction in violent crime and drug arrests) were only temporary and lacked any lasting
deterrence (Cunningham & Liu, 2005).
A key focus of reducing supply is that of the cross-section between criminalising illicit
precursors, and regulating the legitimate market of drugs and equipment in which
precursors are found (Cherney et al., 2005). This double supply side presents a unique
challenge to law enforcement. Increasingly, criminal markets have turned to other outlets,
whereby legal drugs and equipment are obtained through pharmacies and other outlets
(such as ‘pseudo runs’) (McKetin et al., 2005). There has been a focus on enhancing
industry partnership approaches to respond to the threat of precursor chemicals. Such
partnerships yield several benefits and advantages in the pursuit of the control of licit and
illicit ATS precursor chemicals, including:
• The ongoing monitoring and supervision of licit chemical sales, frees police and law
enforcement to undertake investigations into larger illicit operations and known ‘pseudorunners’;
• Police resources can be better targeted to known problem areas, with less time taken
to having a street-level presence;
• A more streamlined approach across the private sector (from supermarkets, to
pharmacies, to production plants) can be maintained with set industry standards which
has legislative backing; and
• Partnerships with local companies and those in the industry are better fostered and
involved in the process of regulating precursor chemicals and can also assist in the
investigation and prosecution of illicit precursor trade (Ministerial Council on Drug
Strategy Joint Communiqué 2007).
National activities have been enhanced with new funding for a range of law enforcement
responses to ATS (see Table 6.7). Key initiatives include:
• The ACC’s Response to the Production and Distribution of Amphetamines and Other