2
5.
The amount of cocaine seized in 1991 has again increased over previous years. It is not known whether this is due to an increase in the amount of cocaine being imported or to the effects of better and more concentrated law. enforcement detection techniques or other factors. Crack, a cheaply priced derivative of cocaine which is readily available on the streets in the United States, Canada and other countries has only been seized in five instances in Australia. There were four small mail seizures in late 1986 and the seizure of one "paper" of crack at Sydney airport in early 1992.
6.
While the spread of illicit drug abuse through Australian society has continued to grow, the effects of such abuse are not so all pervasive as in other countries of the world. The problem is viewed as a very serious one, however, requiring the expenditure of significant legislative, law enforcement, health and
other resources to combat it.
Cannabis
7.
Cannabis products continued to be freely available in all states and territories and remained the most popular drug of abuse, according to law enforcement agencies. A total weight of 2 143 kg of cannabis products was seized by Federal agencies in 1991. On 30 August 1992 two to three tonnes of cannabis resin were seized at Port Gregory, off the West Australian coast. Six persons were arrested.
8.
The largest number of seizures were made from the international mail, however the total weight of this is negligible in comparison to the total amount seized. The amounts of cannabis grown in Australia or imported are unknown. It is known that cannabis products are imported from Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand (Thai Buddha sticks), the Philippines and increasingly from Papua New Guinea (PNG). Other sources of cannabis for Australia are the Golden Crescent and the Middle East, especially Lebanon. The most important concern for Australia is that imported cannabis supplements local production. It may also provide forms of cannabis not produced in Australia, such as cannabis oil. Cannabis enters Australia in widely varying weights and is concealed in
many ways.
9.
Australia is witnessing an increasing incidence of cannabis importations from PNG through northern Australia. Police have reported