Pubdate: Thu, 18 Dec 2003
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Copyright: 2003 Northern Territory News
Contact:  http://ntnews.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/283
Author: Edith Bevin

RECORD SPEED LABS BUSTED

Police have busted a record number of amphetamine labs in the Northern 
Territory this year.

They include two factories where the manufacturer was still "cooking" the 
drugs when officers arrived.

Both factories had the capacity to produce millions of dollars worth of 
illegal drugs.

Drug Squad Senior Sergeant Les Martin said police across the country were 
seeing an increase in the consumption of amphetamines and the number of 
laboratories.

"In my opinion, the amount of locally manufactured speed has increased in 
the past few years," he said.

Sen-Sgt Martin credited the record number of busts to improved detection 
methods by police.

"The use of amphetamines is on the increase in Australia and law 
enforcement agencies have had to change the way we do business because of 
this," he said.

Sen-Sgt Martin said the public should report suspicious activity to police, 
even if the concerns prove unfounded.

Signs of illegal laboratories include supicious activity at odd hours, 
strange smells and chemical containers on the premises.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman