TNAG-2697-FCO40-3903-Hong-Kong-drugs-1993 — Page 97

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hoted, however, that a resurgence seems to take place every few years. similar trend has reportedly occurred in New Zealand, Europe and the United States.

35.

Reports indicate that the LSD is being distributed mainly through nightclubs. It is still relatively cheap, and the number of seizures seem to indicate a ready supply. In October 1991, 4 489 tickets of LSD were seized in Victoria which had been sent from the United Kingdom.

36.

Australian Customs made 29 seizures of LSD at the barrier during 1991. The largest seizure contained 1.963 gm in a package marked "Music Score" which was sent by parcel post from the United States.

37.

It is believed that the distribution of anabolic steroids in Australia is still growing. During 1991, there was at least one major theft of a large quantity of licit anabolic steroids from a pharmaceutical warehouse in Australia, as well as a number of smaller thefts.

38.

Law enforcement agencies have uncovered an ongoing trade in anabolic steroids often using the mail to both import and distribute the drugs. Those involved have been mainly connected to bodybuilding, weight lifters and security industries and some have even offered facilities such as the use of credit cards and overnight courier deliveries to ensure prompt availability.

Outlook

39.

As cannabis is cheaper than amphetamine, heroin and cocaine and is readily available, it will continue to be the most abused illicit drug within Australia in the foreseeable future. Amphetamine abuse continues to spread and is supplied primarily by domestic production. The form of amphetamine known as "ice" has not yet reached Australia in any quantity and is not expected to become a serious problem.

40.

The effects of the world wide increase in heroin and cocaine production have yet to be reflected in the increased availability of these drugs in Australia. The classic signs which point to increased availability have yet to appear and it appears unlikely that crack will be introduced into Australia in any significant quantities.