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Drug Investigation Services

The Tasmanian Drug Bureau was first established in 1967, with a complement of two police officers. Since 1967, the strength of Drug Law Enforcement in Tasmania has increased to a total of thirty Police officers based in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.

Illicit drugs detected by members of the respective Drug Investigation Services are predominantly cannabis (dope), methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy).  Detections of other illicit drugs occur on an infrequent basis.

In addition to the investigation of offences relating to the misuse of licit and illicit drugs, Tasmania Police drug law enforcement is responsible for:

• Providing drug-related expertise to police training programs and regularly liaising with relevant external bodies i.e. Alcohol and Drug Services, Pharmaceutical Services, Pharmacy Guild etc;
• Security of Poppy crops;
• Investigating incidents concerning overdoses of illicit and licit drugs;
• Investigating drug-related offences committed on Doctors, Doctor Surgeries and Chemists;
• Overseeing drug-related incidents in schools;
• Operating a 'Chemical Diversion Desk', which forms part of a national reporting network relating to the diversion of chemicals into the manufacturing of illicit drugs.

In November 1992, an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between Tasmania Police and the Australian Customs Service was signed. The agreement allows Tasmania Police to use the Customs Dog Unit for the purpose of drug detection.

The Poppy Industry is unique to Tasmania and the investigation of poppy thefts is the responsibility of Tasmania Police. The industry is estimated to be worth $175 million to the State. Australia produces 40% of opiate produce for the world market.

Poppy Task Force

Tasmania is the only Australian State approved to grow opium poppies. In compliance with United Nations conventions, very strict security is required at every stage of production from the growing of the poppies through harvesting to ultimate alkaloid production.

Responsibility for this security at a State level is vested cooperatively with the Poppy Advisory and Control Board and Tasmania Police.