LAUNCESTON'S DRUG INFLUX A CAUSE FOR CONDERN

A New Ice Age

Police fear an influx of the drug ice into Tasmania is behind a
recent spike in the number of violent crimes and armed robberies.

Ice, the street name for crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride, is
stronger and cheaper than other amphetamines such as speed.

Needle exchange programmes have reported an increase in people
requiring syringes to inject the drug.

Det-Insp. Mike Otley, of Launceston CIB, said police were concerned
about an increased use of ice.

"There is a direct link between abuse of that substance and the
increase in crime, often major crime," Det-Insp. Otley said.

"We are finding an increase in violence, propensity to use a weapon
either a firearm or a knife and direct attacks upon people."

Ice has a similar chemical structure as amphetamine but has a much
stronger effect on the central nervous system.

It is generally sold in points, about a 10th of a gram, for $40
compared with $70 for a point of speed.

The drug usually comes in transparent crystals that can be injected or inhaled.

Use of the drug has been known to cause aggression, hostility and
even amphetamine psychosis, which includes hallucinations and
paranoia.As the effects wear off, the user can experience tension,
extreme mood swings and uncontrollable violence.

Insp. Otley said people under the influence of ice were a nightmare
for police to handle.

"What happens is they'll stay awake for up to four days and be
hyperactive and think they're invincible," he said.

People recently arrested for a violent armed robbery claimed to be using ice.

The alleged offenders were treated in hospital and had to be
restrained by police.

The use of ice has been prevalent in mainland cities for several
years and its spread to Tasmania is a concern for authorities.

Alcohol and Drugs Services State manager Sylvia Engels said
amphetamine use had been increasing.

"Anecdotally people are saying to us it's increasing but whether it's
ice that's increasing or other forms of methamphetamines is unknown," she said.

However, she said according to a 2005 survey, the use of ice among
injecting drug users dropped from 52 per cent to 20 per cent between
2003 to 2005.

Insp. Otley said police were investigating channels of transport and
trafficking of the drug.

Ice: The Facts

Crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride is commonly referred to as ice
because of its large, transparent crystals.

It is a stronger and often purer version of amphetamine, from which
it was derived in 1919.

Ice effects the central nervous system and causes feelings of
euphoria, increased breathing, heart rate and energy levels.

Ice is most commonly smoked or injected but can also be swallowed or snorted.

In Australia, ice use among injecting drug users increased from 15
per cent in 2000 to 52 per cent in 2004.

Users can quickly develop a tolerance to ice so that more and more is
needed to to have an effect.

The effect can last anywhere from eight to 24 hours and as they wear
off people can experience depression, mood swings and uncontrollable
violence. feedback.