Media response - Importation of pill presses

Questions asked by:  The Courier-Mail, Queensland

Subject:  Importation of pill presses.

Minister's response:

"The WA Government has promised to crack down on drugs and we are introducing a range of measures in this area.

"We are repealing the previous Labor Government's soft-on-cannabis laws and introducing tougher penalties for drug possession and cultivation and for the sale of drugs to children.

"As part of this crackdown, we are also going to look at the sale of drug paraphernalia and I would see the availability of pill presses as a part of that process.

"Illegal drugs ruin lives, shatter families and are an attack on the very fabric of our community.

"While there may be legitimate uses for pill presses, there clearly needs to be some investigation into their availability.

"Pill presses, either manual or mechanical, are already listed as 'category 2 items' in WA, which means that in certain circumstances people can be charged with possessing, selling or supplying pill presses.

"But I would certainly support my state colleagues in any moves to combat the illegal importation of pill presses into Australia."

Minister's office - 9222 9211