Australian Illicit Drug Data Centre

The Australian Illicit Drug Data Centre (AIDDC) is a part of the AFP Forensic and Data Centres Portfolio.

Mission Statement

The AIDDC provides technical intelligence on illicit drugs and precursors in support of law enforcement objectives in order to minimise the availability of illicit drugs and reduce their harm on the Australian community.

Objective of AIDDC

To support AFP, law enforcement and other partners through the collection, collation and analysis of forensic and scientific information on illicit drugs and the provision of specialist advice that contributes to law enforcement operations, intelligence, and evidence based policy development.

Strategy

The AIDDC achieves its objective through the execution of a strategy that includes the Australian Illicit Drug Intelligence Program and two recently approved Proceeds of Crime Act funded projects. These programs and projects support AFP operations and ultimately contribute to the National Illicit Drug Strategy.

Australian Illicit Drug Intelligence Program

The AIDDC's primary source of forensic information to support AFP national operations is the Australian Illicit Drug Intelligence Program (AIDIP). Its charter is to produce forensic drug intelligence through the physical and chemical analysis, or profiling, of seized illicit drugs and their associated physical evidence. The latter may include evidentiary features such as packaging materials, logos and other forms of forensic evidence.

To chemically profile illicit drugs, AIDIP utilises the significant scientific expertise of the National Measurement Institute, and while it remains the only routine drug profiling program within Australia, it networks with other similar initiatives in overseas jurisdictions to track and compare trends. Drugs profiled includes heroin, cocaine, methylamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA, or 'ecstasy'). The program also retains information on drug precursors and analogues which attempt to circumvent existing legislative controls. Thorugh the AIDIP the AIDDC also provides technical assistance to AFP Crime Scene Scientists, as well as responding to drug related matters raised by external agencies.

Samples submitted to AIDIP for profiling are primarily from AFP seizures which, owing to the nature of the AFPs responsibilities and casework, are generally from seizures taking place at the Australian border. These provide a snapshot on illicit drugs being smuggled into the country.

The AIDIP identifies regions of origin and manufacturing trends among samples collected from seized illicit drugs. Comparisons can also be conducted within and between seizures to identify different batches in a single shipment or potentially demonstrate links between individuals and/or networks.

Proceeds of Crime Act Funded Projects

In December 2009 the Minister for Home Affairs approved two Proceeds of Crime Act Projects that compliment the AIDIP and support the National Illicit Drug Strategy.

They are:

1. The Enhanced National Intelligence Picture - Illicit Drugs Project, which in partnership with state and territory jurisdictions, obtains illicit drug samples from seizures within the states and territories. This domestic sampling project extends the type of high end analysis provided by the AIDIP for border seizures to state seizures hence completing the intelligence picture from "border to street."
2. The National Drug Pre Cursor Risk Assessment Project, which identifies where legitimate chemicals (which can also be used as illicit drug pre cursors) are diverted into the manufacture of illicit drugs.

Contact

Members of law enforcement agencies or other organisations should contact AIDDC via the AFP Operations Coordination Centre (AOCC). Alternatively mail can be sent to: