The governance of illicit synthetic drugs

Abstract

• The focus of this report is on amphetamine type substances (ATS) mainly amphetamine, methamphetamine and ecstasy (i.e. MDMA).
• Throughout the lifecycle of an illicit synthetic drug there are a number of individuals or institutions in a position to reduce supply.
• The challenge for law enforcement is to find the means of leveraging these external institutions in furtherance of supply reduction.
• The aim of the project has been to:
1. Identify concrete examples of law enforcement agencies harnessing external institutions (public, private and non-profit) in furtherance of amphetamine and other illicit synthetic drug control.
2. Identify objective, replicable measures of each partnership’s institutional properties, and their impacts.
3. Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each.
4. Disseminate findings to Australasian law enforcement agencies.
• The research has focused on strategies adopted by law enforcement agencies overseas.
• In-depth evaluation of diversion control partnerships in Australia has yet to be conducted.
• The research involved fieldwork in Asia, Europe and the United States, where interviews were conducted with law enforcement, regulatory authorities and private sector groups.
• There are a number of operational challenges police face in engaging external organisations and groups in furtherance of illicit synthetic drug control.