Victoria Government announces major crackdown on synthetic drugs

SHOPS and drug dealers selling synthetic drugs will face jail and hefty fines in an unprecedented crackdown in Victoria. Police have praised the measures announced this morning.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Police Minister Lisa Neville announcing new synthetic drug laws. Picture: Nicole Garmston

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SHOPS and drug dealers selling synthetic drugs will face jail and hefty fines in an unprecedented crackdown on dangerous substances in Victoria.

The proposed laws will be introduced to the Victorian Parliament today and carry fines of up to $37,000 and two years in jail.

Police Minister Lisa Neville unveiled the plan saying it will close loopholes in 2013 legislation which allowed manufacturers to flout bans.

“These drugs have just caused such harm,” Ms Neville said.

“We are outlawing all synthetic drugs to protect our communities.

“Under these reforms authorities will no longer need to play catch-ups as new substances come on to the market.”

Synthetic cannabis seized from a tobacconists.

Currently individual compounds have to be outlawed, however the changes will see all psychoactive cannabinoids and ecstasy banned as a category.

Thirty-seven cannabinoids and 26 psychoactive substances are banned in Victoria and 110 people have been charged since 2013.

“The challenge of synthetic drugs is very real,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.

“I have said many times the Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton will have the things that he needs to protect the community.

“Synthetic drugs are dangerous chemical cocktails.”

The move has been praised by Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton, who said the new laws were a “game changer”.

The Victorian Government will also move to reduce large trafficable quantities of ice from 750g to 500g.

Commercial quantities will be cut from 100g to 50g.