State Government moves to outlaw new ecstasy-style drug

8/11/02
Health Minister Bob Kucera has moved to ban two chemicals suspected of being used in the manufacture of a new ecstasy-styled drug.
About two weeks ago, Western Australian police conducted a raid on a clandestine laboratory in Perth and seized a large quantity of benzylpiperazine (BZP).
BZP is found in combination with trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) and produces an effect similar to methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) - or ecstasy.
The use of BZP and TFMPP is comparatively new to WA and at the time of the raid, there were no controls over their possession or supply.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the United States has only recently introduced controls over BZP and TFMPP, which have stimulatory and hallucinogenic effects, following reports of abuse.
"The Chief Pharmacist has now written to me asking that BZP and TFMPP be included under Schedule Nine of the WA Poisons Act 1964 as a matter of urgency," Mr Kucera said.
"I have supported that recommendation, which effectively means BZP and TFMPP will become illegal to possess or supply."
Inclusion in the schedule will be completed today.
Mr Kucera said the possession or supply of BZP and TFMPP would attract penalties as described by the Misuse of Drugs Act. These ranged from two years to 25 years in prison or a fine of $2,000 to $100,000 or both, depending on the quantity involved.
The Minister will also call on the National Drugs and Poisoning Scheduling Committee to consider a nationwide ban.
Minister's office: 9213 7000