SEVEN cutting-edge drug-testing devices are now in use across South Australia with one of the kits to be used by police throughout the Limestone Coast to test substances.
The devices have been rolled out as part of the State Government’s Stop the Hurt strategy devised by the South Australian Ice Taskforce to tackle the growth of crystal methamphetamine use in South Australia.
Using laser technology, the devices can detect over 400 drugs without police having to remove any of the substance from plastic bags or glass containers.
Visiting the Mount Gambier Police Station yesterday, Police Minister Chris Picton said deploying this technology was one of the key recommendations from the taskforce.
“All seven country local service areas will have access to this new technology, which is going to be able to very quickly, efficiently and accurately detect drugs,” Mr Picton said.
“That is one of the very important things that police in our country areas do and at the moment there is a lot of work that has to be done to have a positive identification of a substance.”
Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Grant Moyle said being able to obtain a result immediately would give police a clear indication of what they are dealing with on the spot.
“It will help us expedite the investigation of drug matters, particularly when we conduct searches of premises,” Supt Moyle said.
“We can tailor what charges are laid and what other police action might be taken at the time, rather than waiting for forensic
testing.”
While the drug-testing devices will make officers’ jobs more efficient, South Australia Police Detective Chief Inspector Tony Crameri said forensic testing would still be conducted to prosecute an offender in court.
“In this state we will still rely on forensic science to do some testing, but I know in other jurisdictions the devices have been used for court purposes,” Det Crameri said.
“With $8m being invested into the Stop the Hurt strategy over the next four years, funding will also go towards covert investigations and the ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign.
“We’re sending a strong message that we are closing the net around drug dealers and traffickers in regional communities.
“I commend our frontline police, particularly in regional communities, for the hard work they are doing to combat drugs like ice and the success they are having.”
