Seizures of Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine in Australia and New Zealand: A Declining Trend
Seizures of Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine in Australia and New Zealand: A Declining Trend
According to the latest report on precursors by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Australia and New Zealand are the only countries in the Oceania region that have reported seizures of ephedrines. However, the total amount of ephedrines reported seized in 2021 was only 578 kg, which is a fraction of the over 6.5 tons reported seized in 2017, reflecting a declining trend.
Bulk of Seizures in Australia
Australia reported the bulk of the seizures, with more than 420 kg of pseudoephedrine preparations seized in 295 cases, and an additional 8.5 kg of ephedrine preparations seized in 40 cases. India was reported as the country of origin of 355 kg of pseudoephedrine preparations seized in 48 cases and 2.6 kg of ephedrine preparations seized in 4 cases. In the past, India has been reported as the country of origin of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine trafficked to Australia. However, in the reporting period, Australia shared three cases through PICS involving shipments of over 10 kg each of pseudoephedrine in December 2021, January 2022, and February 2022, with the first two shipments reported as having originated in Nepal and the last in Brunei Darussalam.
Declining Trend in New Zealand
New Zealand, on the other hand, showed a consistently declining trend in seizures of ephedrines, which are believed to be the primary class of precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine in that country. New Zealand reported seizures totaling 114 kg of ephedrine and 35 kg of pseudoephedrine in 76 and 68 cases, respectively, on form D for 2021, indicating the small size of individual shipments.
Trafficking in Raw Material from India to Australia and New Zealand
The data on seizures suggest a clear trend of trafficking in ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in the form of raw material from India to Australia and, more recently, to New Zealand via postal or air cargo routes by concealing the substances in other goods or packing materials. The INCB encourages the Governments of Australia and India to jointly investigate such cases with a view to dismantling criminal networks in both countries.
Wrapping it all Up
While the total amount of ephedrines reported seized in Australia and New Zealand in 2021 is low compared to previous years, the trend of trafficking in ephedrine and pseudoephedrine remains a concern.