A new report has revealed that crime gangs that import the deadly illicit drug “ice” are threatening Australia’s society. The report prepared by the Australian Crime Commission showed organised crime in the country is creating partnerships to expand drug distribution networks.

The commission warned against crime organisations that mix illicitd drugs into ice to increase the levels of addiction in areas where the drug has not been previously known. The report said the number of ice users has also increased with the practice of consuming more than one drug or “poly-drug use” and taking drugs with alcohol.

The report has prompted Australia’s Justice Minister Michael Keenan to warn against addiction to “mind-eating, personality-distorting, life-ending drug” that only undermines society, reports SMH. The ACC has found that out of all illicit drugs, ice or crystal methylamphetamine poses the highest threat to the Australian community. The commission called on the government, law enforcement agencies and community groups to develop a collective response.

Ice or crystal meth imported into Australia may have likely gone through several countries with the help of “transnational crime groups.” Keenan said the ACC report was released to the public for the first time to show the need for a public debate. The report has raised the alarm that organised crime syndicates have become entrenched in Australia’s methylamphetamine market with no particular dominant group.

The ACC’s intelligence has discovered that more marijuana was sold to finance the purchase of ice. ACC chief executive Chris Dawson said ice is now in unprecedented levels.

The report also warned about the violent behaviour associated with the use of ice and the increase in the number of addiction-related crimes like assaults and burglaries, which will also burden law enforcement and the public in general.

Ice laboratories are often found in residential communities that pose a risk of explosion to people living nearby. The report also highlighted the impact of ice production and said a laboratory can generate up to 10 kilogrammes of toxic and hazardous waste for each kilo of pure methylamphetamine. Toxic chemicals and residues were dumped in rivers, drains, parks, sewage and roadside. The practice also puts the environment and public health at risk.

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