Reports on drug-related crimes and criminal activity are the most common reason for the public contacting Crime Stoppers WA.
Illicit drugs
Drugs are any chemical substances that create a physical, mental, emotional or behavioural change in a person.
Illicit drug use includes:
- New synthetic drugs such as ice, ecstasy etc
- Misusing prescription medications such as benzodiazepines (mostly tranquilisers) and opiate-based drugs (e.g. morphine, codeine and methadone)
- Misusing household substances, largely comprising inhalants such as glue, aerosol sprays, butane gas, some cleaning fluids, paint thinners, chrome-based paints and petrol.
In Western Australia it is illegal to possess, use, manufacture, cultivate or supply an illicit drug.
Penalties range from a maximum $2,000 fine and/or 2 years in jail for possession, or up to a $100,000 fine and/or 25 years in jail for supply and distribution.
Supplying intoxicants to a person likely to abuse them
Someone who sells or supplies an intoxicant to someone else when they know or reasonably suspect that person or someone else will use it to become intoxicated is guilty of an offence.
An intoxicant is a drug or other substance that is capable of intoxicating a person. It does not include liquor as defined in the Liquor Control Act 1988.
Offenders may be imprisoned for up to 12 months and fined up to $12,000.
Not just about the drug use
Illicit drugs have a significant impact on the community, as other crimes may be committed in order for someone to gain the money needed to feed their habit.
Drug users may also be violent and erratic, posing a significant threat to themselves or others.
Get in contact
Please contact Crime Stoppers and report what you know if you have information on:
- Alleged drug dealers
- The alleged manufacture of drugs
- The use of drugs such as amphetamines (e.g. speed), cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, hallucinogens, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines (e.g. ice, meth and glass), pharmaceuticals, steroids or similar.
