Ms SCRYMGOUR - 2002-11-28
Is the minister aware of a recent report about allegations of bouncers dealing in drugs at Darwin nightclubs? Can he inform the House what the situation is?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. On Monday this week, honourable members will be aware, the NT News included an article entitled: ‘Bouncers accused of drug deals’. In this article, it is reported that the director of a local security company made a series of allegations, stating that bouncers and doormen are dealing in drugs in hotels and nightclubs across our city. Everybody here in this House would know that, as a government, we have been very strong in our commitment to cracking down on drug dealers and we have introduced some very tough legislation. As the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General has just stated, only recently the NT News reported on house breakers who police say are known amphetamine and morphine users.
It is amazing we are now seeing these issues reported accurately in the NT News. For years, those members opposite denied there was any link at all between illicit drug use and property crime. The Leader of the Opposition derided these allegations in saying that the link between drug use and property crime was minuscule. But that is not the case. I am delighted to see that the new drug house laws are taking effect. In fact, we have seen Speed Plus in Dick Ward Drive close down and, as the minister for Justice and Attorney-General said, we are very close to declaring other properties in Alice Springs and Darwin as drug houses. The member for Johnston, who was out doorknocking the other night, again reported increased traffic at a particular place in Moil. So, this legislation is taking effect and the link is now well known and well regarded.
The Drug Enforcement Unit has initiated dedicated operations to apprehend those people involved in the drug trade. To give members some idea, in November 2001, Operation Abrahams targetted persons suspected of dealing drugs in licensed premises in Mitchell Street. As a result of this operation, four people were arrested and charged with possession and supply of dangerous drug offences. Officers seized quantities of MDMA - for members who are not aware, that is Extacy - tablets and powder, amphetamines and Cannabis. None of those charged were employees of the licensed premises.
In March 2002, Operation Valentine targetted persons selling drugs in nightclubs. Six people were arrested and charged with possession and supply of dangerous drug offences. Again, quantities of MDMA, amphetamines and Cannabis were seized and again, none of these six arrested were employees of those premises.
Two specific operations are ongoing and to some extent, will be never ending. I am also advised that the unit is also acutely mindful of recent amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act, specifically the drug house legislation relating to licensed premises, which they actively seek to enforce. Although proactive in their drug enforcement practices, the unit also relies heavily on information supplied by the public.
I have been advised there have been no information reports attributed to the person who commented in the article the other day. I would urge all Territorians if they do have evidence, or suspicions of people dealing in illicit drugs, to report them to the police. The people who manufacture and distribute these substances are evil and they need to be dealt with. I would urge all Territorians to report these offences to the police. We on this side of the House, will continue to do whatever we can to drive these people out of business.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. On Monday this week, honourable members will be aware, the NT News included an article entitled: ‘Bouncers accused of drug deals’. In this article, it is reported that the director of a local security company made a series of allegations, stating that bouncers and doormen are dealing in drugs in hotels and nightclubs across our city. Everybody here in this House would know that, as a government, we have been very strong in our commitment to cracking down on drug dealers and we have introduced some very tough legislation. As the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General has just stated, only recently the NT News reported on house breakers who police say are known amphetamine and morphine users.
It is amazing we are now seeing these issues reported accurately in the NT News. For years, those members opposite denied there was any link at all between illicit drug use and property crime. The Leader of the Opposition derided these allegations in saying that the link between drug use and property crime was minuscule. But that is not the case. I am delighted to see that the new drug house laws are taking effect. In fact, we have seen Speed Plus in Dick Ward Drive close down and, as the minister for Justice and Attorney-General said, we are very close to declaring other properties in Alice Springs and Darwin as drug houses. The member for Johnston, who was out doorknocking the other night, again reported increased traffic at a particular place in Moil. So, this legislation is taking effect and the link is now well known and well regarded.
The Drug Enforcement Unit has initiated dedicated operations to apprehend those people involved in the drug trade. To give members some idea, in November 2001, Operation Abrahams targetted persons suspected of dealing drugs in licensed premises in Mitchell Street. As a result of this operation, four people were arrested and charged with possession and supply of dangerous drug offences. Officers seized quantities of MDMA - for members who are not aware, that is Extacy - tablets and powder, amphetamines and Cannabis. None of those charged were employees of the licensed premises.
In March 2002, Operation Valentine targetted persons selling drugs in nightclubs. Six people were arrested and charged with possession and supply of dangerous drug offences. Again, quantities of MDMA, amphetamines and Cannabis were seized and again, none of these six arrested were employees of those premises.
Two specific operations are ongoing and to some extent, will be never ending. I am also advised that the unit is also acutely mindful of recent amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act, specifically the drug house legislation relating to licensed premises, which they actively seek to enforce. Although proactive in their drug enforcement practices, the unit also relies heavily on information supplied by the public.
I have been advised there have been no information reports attributed to the person who commented in the article the other day. I would urge all Territorians if they do have evidence, or suspicions of people dealing in illicit drugs, to report them to the police. The people who manufacture and distribute these substances are evil and they need to be dealt with. I would urge all Territorians to report these offences to the police. We on this side of the House, will continue to do whatever we can to drive these people out of business.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016