minister for home affairs media release

Ban on tablet presses comes in effect - 26 February 2010

Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today welcomed the commencement of legislation prohibiting the importation of tablet presses into Australia.

“This is an important step in combating the manufacture of illicit drugs within Australia and in reducing the illegal profits being made by organised criminal groups.

“From Monday tablet presses are a prohibited import under Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 – this means that people trying to import presses into the country for non legitimate or criminal purposes will be stopped in their tracks by Customs and Border Protection officers,” Mr O’Connor said.

The Minister for Home Affairs said that legitimate users will still be able to import pill presses by applying for a permit from the Attorney-General’s Department.

“This legislation will help prevent the use of tablet presses by organised criminal groups involved in the manufacture of illicit synthetic drugs.

“Methamphetamine and ecstasy, which are manufactured using presses of this type, are a serious problem in Australia and a large source of revenue for organised criminal groups.

“Preventing the manufacture and supply of amphetamine type stimulants is a priority area in the fight organised crime.

“That is why, from this Monday, Customs and Border Protection officers will be actively detecting and seizing tablet presses,” Mr O’Connor said.

Contact: Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567 Customs and Border Protection media (02) 6275 6793