- Australia's intense action against illicit drug distribution: Over 1,600 apprehensions
Aussie authorities apprehended over 1,600 potential offenders during a substantial anti-drug trafficking and organized crime operation. Dubbed Operation Vitreous, this initiative spanned from August 19th to the 23rd, aiming to decrease the country-wide accessibility of illicit substances, as per the announces made by local and regional law enforcement bodies.
Authorities confiscated approximately 1,400 kilograms of drugs and around 2,500 cannabis plants, estimating their combined worth to be around 93 million AUD (approximately 56 million EUR). The seized narcotics encompassed heroin, methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, and ketamine. Dave Cowan from Victoria Police characterized the operation's outcome as "unprecedented", underscoring the apparent insatiable appetite for prohibited drugs in Australia.
Growth of Nitazenes
Cannabis and methylamphetamine remain Australia's most popular drugs. However, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has reported an upward trend in nitazene consumption as well. These are highly potent synthetic opioids not approved for human consumption. There's been a surge in overdose fatalities, and nitazenes have been detected in conjunction with other substances.
The substantial operation led to the arrest of individuals involved in drug trafficking, specifically of nitazenes, which have shown an upward trend in consumption and are linked to an increase in overdose fatalities. The seizure of prohibited substances during Operation Vitreous included batches of nitazenes.
