Pseudoephedrine concerns

Call for Mandatory ID Requirement at Pharmacies

The Tasmanian Greens today called for mandatory reporting of pseudoephedrine sales in Tasmania, amid concerns illicit drug manufacturers were targeting Tasmanian pharmacies.

Greens Health spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP today called on the Minister for Health to respond to concerns that individuals with criminal links were pharmacy-hopping to buy large quantities of precursor chemicals.

“There are serious concerns that people with criminal links are coming to Tasmania on the Bass Strait ferry to go pharmacy-hopping for pseudoephedrine,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“We understand they are targeting pharmacies that are not signed up to Project Stop which is a national voluntary program set up to record the identity of people purchasing pseudoephedrine products.”

“It was disappointing that the Minister did not commit to addressing this issue, when I raised it in Question Time.”

“Pseudoephedrine is a precursor ingredient for illicit drugs like crystal meth, which is why we need to ensure it does not end up in the hands of illegal manufacturers.”

“The Greens are calling on the Minister to follow the lead of Queensland, where it is now mandatory to report over-the-counter sales of pseudoephedrine products.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Health Spokesperson