Australian police forensic chemists will receive funding of $200,000 over the next four years under the National Strategy to Prevent the Diversion of Precursor Chemicals to assist with the investigation of clandestine laboratory operations the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, announced today.
Senator Ellison announced the funding following the sixth bi-annual meeting of the National Working Group on the Diversion of Precursor Chemicals. Senator Ellison said that this would assist forensic experts who specialise in the investigation of clandestine drug laboratories.
"Clandestine amphetamine laboratories have increased by 300 per cent and it is important that forensic experts have the opportunity to work together in what is one of the most important areas in the fight against illegal drugs," Senator Ellison said.
The National Working Group was established by the Minister in 2002 and is attended by police and health officials from all states and territories and representatives of the chemicals and pharmaceutical industries.
The diversion of precursor chemicals is a key factor in the production of illicit drugs in backyard laboratories.
Senator Ellison said the funding would be directed to three initiatives, each of which provide opportunities for Australia's forensic chemists to improve their knowledge and assist the development of forensic investigator expertise generally.