NEW WEAPON LAUNCHED IN DRUG WAR

CANNABIS suppliers will be easier to track after the compiling of a
national genetic database of cannabis samples. The database of 500
plants, seized in drug busts across Australia, culminates 15 years of
research by the Australian Federal Police, the Australian National
University and the Canberra Institute of Technology.

It could help break organised crime rings and identify legal hemp
plantations being used as a cover for the production of drugs.

AFP forensic and data centres national manager James Robertson said he
believed the database was the first of its kind in the world.

"In our view, it's the first time that forensic botany's reached this
stage from a validation viewpoint," Dr Robertson said.

"That's important, because if forensic botany in the future is going
to become a more important part of the forensic scene, then we need to
produce the sorts of tools that reach the standard."

Scientists built the database of DNA profiles from plants grown in
fields, hydroponic operations and pots.

They analysed DNA from root, stem and leaf samples seized in raids
around Australia, focusing on 10 characteristics of DNA called short
tandem repeat markers.

They showed there was enough genetic diversity in Australian cannabis
to identify individual plants from the 10 markers.

The results of their work will be published in the July edition of the
Journal of Forensic Science.

The ANU school of botany and zoology's Professor Rod Peakall said
establishing links between the plants was a complex process.

Professor Peakall said the database would become more powerful as
samples were added, but the genetic evidence would have to be combined
with other evidence to support a conviction.

"DNA evidence never stands alone, but the database is another tool to
be used in the legal process," Professor Peakall said.

The ANU is looking to set up a new Master of Molecular Genetic
Analysis program to meet the growing demand for experts in the field.

The AFP hopes the database will be ready for police operations in just
over a year.