Raid nets stash of ice pipes

– Shaun Inguanzo
CONSUMER Affairs officers have unearthed a stash of illegal ‘ice pipes’ at a Springvale tobacconist used for smoking the crystalised form of the dangerous illicit drug methamphetamine.
It is illegal to sell the pipes in Victoria, but Consumer Affairs Victoria this week reported that it had seized 925 ice pipes from a total of three retailers, including a Springvale tobacconist, late last week.
The traders will now face fines of up to $60,000 for selling the banned goods.
Consumer Affairs Minister and Mulgrave MP Daniel Andrews said the raids were part of the State Government’s plan to stamp out use of illicit drugs.
“These latest raids bring the total of ice pipes seized over the past three years to more than 3000,” he said.
“Methamphetamine can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain and cause collapse or death.
“Which is why all government agencies are cooperating in an effort to beat this ice scourge at its source before the drug can wreak further havoc on our communities.”
Ice pipes were banned in Victoria in January 2004 under the Fair Trading Act because of the likelihood they could lead to death or serious harm either directly or indirectly.
Mr Andrews said the State Government would be investing $14 million in education and prevention programs to further combat ice abuse.
He said hefty penalties awaited traders who continued to sell Ice pipes and other banned goods – including the retailers busted last week.
“So far these traders have co-operated with Consumer Affairs Victoria to ensure there are no future sales of these banned goods,” he said.
People can report illegal ice pipe sales to Consumer Affairs Victoria by calling 1300 558181, or visiting www.consumer.vic.gov.au.