HEROIN
KEY POINTS

The number and weight of heroin detections at the Australian border increased in
2012–13, with the 513.8 kilograms detected the highest on record.

Profiling data from 2012 indicates the majority of analysed heroin seizures originated in
South-East Asia.

The weight of national heroin seizures increased to 544.4 kilograms in 2012–13, the
highest weight reported in the last decade.

The 2 463 national heroin and other opioid arrests reported in 2012–13 is the lowest
number reported since 2007–08.
MAIN FORMS
Heroin (diacetylmorphine) belongs to the opioid class and is synthesised from morphine, an
organic derivative of the opium poppy. In its purest form, raw opium is the dried milky juice
(latex) extracted from the unripe seed pods of opium poppy plants (Papaver somniferum).
The three primary regions producing illicit opium are South-West Asia (‘Golden Crescent’1),
South-East Asia (‘Golden Triangle’2) and Latin America (primarily Mexico) (UNODC 1998;
UNODC 2013a).
The extraction of morphine from opium involves a number of filtration processes to capture
unwanted residues and to obtain the desired clean filtrate solution. Chemicals used in this
process include calcium hydroxide, ammonium chloride and hydrochloric acid. As the
solution cools, morphine hydrochloride salt precipitates, which produces heroin of a higher
purity than if morphine base is used to produce heroin. The synthesis of heroin base from
morphine involves using acetic anhydride, sodium carbonate and collecting the heroin base
by filtration. Further purification processes are required to produce the heroin hydrochloride
salt (street heroin) (UNODC 1998).
The colour and appearance of heroin is not a definitive or reliable indicator of origin or purity.
There are four main grades of heroin, which have different utility and desirability in the
Australian market. These are:

No. 4 grade heroin, which is a product of high purity that is easily dissolved and usually
injected. It is the most common grade in developed countries.

No. 3 grade heroin, which is less refined and granular in appearance. Considered
unsuitable for injection, it is most commonly heated and the vapours inhaled.

No. 2 and No.1 grade heroin refers to heroin base, which is its form prior to conversion
to a hydrochloride salt. No.1 and No. 2 grade heroin are not commonly encountered in
Australia (Booth 1998).
1The
2The
‘Golden Crescent’ encompasses large areas of Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan.
‘Golden Triangle’ comprises the border regions of Burma, Thailand and Laos.
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
57
The two most common forms of heroin found in Australia are powder and rock, which are
usually white or off-white in colour. Unrefined heroin base is rarely found in Australia, with
‘homebake’ heroin being a crude form of heroin made from codeine (AIC 2011; Dunn 2012).
While heroin is most commonly injected, it can also be smoked, snorted/sniffed or added to
cannabis or tobacco. In Australia, the most common method of administration is intravenous
injection. The second most common practice is inhaling the fumes, which is referred to as
‘chasing the dragon’ (ADF 2013).
Heroin produces a ‘rush’ minutes after administration, which may lead to a state of relaxation
and contentment. Heroin is a central nervous system depressant which slows brain
functions, in particular those related to respiration and blood pressure, and affects users’
perceptions of pain and reward. Short-term effects of heroin use may include drowsiness,
dry mouth, nausea and vomiting. Long-term effects of heroin use may include liver, heart
and lung problems, skin abscesses, memory impairment and depression. Psychological and
physical dependence are also associated with long-term heroin use. Dependent heroin users
may develop a tolerance and need higher doses to achieve the desired effect. Heroin
overdoses are often the result of suppressed respiration (AIC 2011; DoHA 2013;
NSW Health 2011).
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
58
INTERNATIONAL TRENDS
The global use of heroin remains stable, with some market shifts noted. According to the
2013 World Drug Report, South-West and Central Asia, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe
and North America reported a high prevalence of heroin use. Additionally, there is an
emerging trend related to the increased trafficking and non-medical use of prescription or
synthetic opioids, which mimic the effects of heroin. Conversely, in Western and Central
Europe, the heroin market continued to decline in 2012 in terms of reported use and
availability (UNODC 2013a).
Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan reached a record high in 2013. According to the
2013 Afghanistan Opium Survey, the area under cultivation amounted to 209 000 hectares,
compared to the earlier record in 2007 of 193 000 hectares. This represents a 36 per cent
increase compared to the 154 000 hectares in 2012. Opium production in Afghanistan also
increased, from 3 700 tonnes in 2012 to 5 500 tonnes in 2013. The survey reported that
opium poppy eradication in 2013 totalled 7 348 hectares, a 24 per cent decrease compared
to the 9 672 hectares in 2012. In 2013, two provinces that had previously been declared
poppy-free—Faryab and Balkh in Northern Afghanistan—were again identified as cultivating
opium. Based on 2012 opium poppy cultivation figures, Afghanistan accounted for
74 per cent of global opium cultivation (UNODC 2013a; UNODC 2013b).
In 2012, an estimated 300 to 500 heroin production laboratories capable of producing 380 to
400 tonnes of heroin were operating in Afghanistan. Heroin is trafficked out of Afghanistan
using a complex network of routes and intermediary countries. The ‘Northern route’ accounts
for approximately 30 per cent of opium/heroin trafficked out of Afghanistan via Iran and
Pakistan, then westwards through Iran and Turkey into Europe, or overland into Russia or
China. The ‘Southern route’ uses overland routes through Pakistan before shipments are
consigned to Africa and South-East Asia via maritime routes. From Asian ports, heroin is
trafficked predominately by land routes to China (Jane’s 2012).
Burma remains the second highest opium producing country in the world, producing
approximately a third of that produced by Afghanistan. Despite Burma reporting the second
highest ever figure for opium poppy eradication in 2013 at 12 288 hectares, opium poppy
cultivation increased for the seventh consecutive year to an estimated 57 800 hectares—the
greatest reported figure since 2003. The related potential opium production was estimated to
be 870 tonnes, representing a 26 per cent increase compared to 2012. In 2013, the UNODC
assessed that poppy cultivation in Laos was estimated to be 3 900 hectares, a decrease
from 6 800 hectares in 2012. Opium production also decreased from 41 tonnes in 2012 to
23 tonnes in 2013, but the UNODC noted that these figures reported for Laos were not
comparable for technical reasons3 (UNODC 2013c).
3
The UNODC reports that the estimate for Laos in 2013 (3 900 hectares) is not comparable with the much higher
figure (6 800 hectares) estimated in 2012. The 2013 UNODC Southeast Asia Opium Production Survey took place
in late February 2013, about two weeks later than in 2012. The report assessed that some poppy fields were no
longer identifiable as they were already harvested. Further, the UNODC identified that in 2013 most images of
poppy fields were digitised using very high resolution satellite imagery, whereas in 2012 this was true only for
some poppy fields and the resolution of the imagery was lower. The UNODC identifies that research on illicit crop
surveys in other countries demonstrated that using higher resolution imagery leads to more accurate, but often
lower area estimates. The combination of both factors may have led to the low 2013 poppy estimate and tonnage
for Laos (UNODC 2013d).
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
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In Burma, heroin manufacturing laboratories continue to be predominantly located in the
Shan State, which borders China, Laos and Thailand. Opium harvested in the
Lao-Vietnam-China border region is trafficked to Burma for production into heroin. Burma
currently supplies two-thirds of the Chinese heroin market, with Afghanistan supplying the
remaining third. Heroin seizures in several South-East Asian and Oceanic countries indicate
trafficking through these countries continues to supply the established markets in Australia
and New Zealand, as well as the rapidly expanding Chinese market. Heroin produced in
Afghanistan may also be supplementing this market, with couriers trafficking into regional
countries such as Malaysia and Thailand (Jane’s 2013; UNODC 2013d).
In Europe, indicators suggest a downward trend in both use and availability of heroin. In
2012, some European countries reported that over the last decade heroin has been
displaced from the market by other opioid drugs. Other countries have experienced more
recent market shortages, generally followed by a partial recovery. The majority of heroin
found in Europe is thought to be manufactured in Afghanistan or, to a lesser extent, in
neighbouring Iran or Pakistan (EMCDDA 2013).
Two trafficking routes exist for transporting heroin to Europe. Historically, the more important
of these has been the ‘Balkan Route’, running west through Turkey, into Balkan countries
(Bulgaria, Romania or Albania) and on to Central, Southern and Western Europe. A more
recent trafficking route is the ‘Northern’ or ‘Silk Route’, which heads north to Russia, via the
former Soviet republics of Central Asia. However, the situation now appears to have become
more diverse, with heroin shipments from Iran and Pakistan entering Europe by air or sea,
either directly or transiting through West and East African countries. In 2012, heroin seizures
continued to decrease in Europe, notably in the amount of heroin trafficked through the
established Balkan land route. This may be as a result of law enforcement activity targeting
established trafficking routes (EMCDDA 2013; UNODC 2013a).
Unlike Europe, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration National Drug Threat
Assessment Summary 2013, the availability of heroin in the United States of America (US)
increased in 2012. This is likely due to the high levels of heroin production in Mexico, with
Mexican traffickers expanding into white powder heroin markets in the east and mid-west
US. Law enforcement and treatment officials throughout the US are also reporting that many
prescription opioid users have turned to heroin as a cheaper and/or more easily obtained
alternative to prescription drugs (DEA 2013).
All countries in the Americas, except Canada, are supplied by heroin produced in the region.
According to Government reports, the Canadian heroin market is supplied by heroin
originating in Asia, mainly Afghanistan. Mexico and Colombia remain the highest opium
producing countries supplying the US heroin market (UNODC 2013a).
In Africa, large increases in the weight of heroin seizures have been observed since
2009—especially in East Africa. The 2013 World Drug Report indicates that the amount of
heroin seized in East, West and Central Africa remains small compared with those in other
regions, but has increased over five-fold from 2009. This report also identifies that a vast
majority of these seizures occurred across maritime trafficking routes,4 which the report
suggests points to increased maritime trafficking of Afghan opiates towards Africa.
Additionally, West and Central Africa reported increased trafficking of heroin, with East Africa
emerging as a transit route for heroin from Afghanistan to European markets
(UNODC 2013a).
4
The 2013 World Drug Report describes these seizures as occurring at sea borders, ports or on the open sea.
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
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Although Afghanistan remains the world’s largest opium producer, over the last decade the
potential production of opium in the three major source regions in the world has fluctuated. In
2013, the potential production of opium in Burma and Laos was 893 metric tonnes, the
highest combined weight reported for those countries in the last decade (see Figure 27).
FIGURE 27: Potential production of opium, 2004 to 2013 (Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and
Crime)
Burma & Laos
Afghanistan & Pakistan
Colombia & Mexico
9000
8000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
0
2004
Metric tonnes
7000
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
61
DOMESTIC TRENDS
AUSTRALIAN BORDER DETECTIONS
In 2012–13, the number of heroin detections at the Australian border increased by
32.4 per cent, from 179 in 2011–12 to 237 in 2012–13. The total weight of heroin detections
increased by 100.6 per cent, from 256.1 kilograms in 2011–12 to 513.8 kilograms in
2012–13, the highest on record (see Figure 28). The increase in the weight of heroin
detected in 2012–13 is primarily due to a single 252 kilogram sea cargo detection.
FIGURE 28: Number and weight of heroin detections at the Australian border, 2003–04 to 2012–13
(Source: Australian Customs and Border Protection Service)
Weight
600
Number
450
400
350
400
300
250
300
200
200
150
Number
Weight (kg)
500
100
100
50
2012–13
2011–12
2010–11
2009–10
2008–09
2007–08
2006–07
2005–06
2004–05
0
2003–04
0
In this reporting period, 204 of the 237 heroin detections at the Australian border weighed
less than 1 kilogram, accounting for 86.1 per cent of the total number of heroin detections in
2012–13. The 33 heroin detections weighing more than 1 kilogram totalled 486.7 kilograms
and accounted for 94.7 per cent of the total weight of heroin detections in 2012–13.
SIGNIFICANT BORDER DETECTIONS
Significant border detections of heroin in 2012–13 include:

252 kilograms of heroin detected in July 2012, concealed in terracotta pots, via sea
cargo from Thailand to Sydney

69 kilograms of heroin detected in June 2013, concealed inside the rotors of water
pump electric motors, via sea cargo from Taiwan to Brisbane

58.5 kilograms of heroin detected in November 2012, concealed inside the base of
two timber altars, via sea cargo from Vietnam to Brisbane

12 kilograms of heroin detected in May 2013, concealed within an air passenger’s
suitcases, from Thailand to Sydney

10 kilograms of heroin detected in September 2012, concealed in the sides of four
cartons that contained calendars, via air cargo from Vietnam to Sydney.
The 5 detections listed above have a combined weight of 401.5 kilograms and account for
78.1 per cent of the total weight of heroin detected at the Australian border in 2012–13.
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
62
IMPORTATION METHODS
In 2012–13, parcel post was the most commonly detected method of importation by number,
accounting for 69.6 per cent of heroin detections. This was followed by air passenger/crew,
which accounted for 16.0 per cent (see Figure 29).
FIGURE 29: Number of heroin detections at the Australian border, as a proportion of total detections, by
method of importation, 2012–13 (Source: Australian Customs and Border Protection Service)
Air cargo (13.1%)
Air passenger/crew (16.0%)
Parcel post (69.6%)
Sea Cargo (1.3%)
While only 3 detections of heroin were in the sea cargo stream in 2012–13, they accounted
for 73.9 per cent of the total weight of heroin detected at the Australian border. In 2012–13,
air passenger/crew accounted for 17.4 per cent of heroin detections by weight (see Figure
30).
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63
FIGURE 30: Weight of heroin detections at the Australian border, as a proportion of total weight, by
method of importation, 2012–13 (Source: Australian Customs and Border Protection Service)
Air cargo (5.5%)
Air passenger/crew (17.4%)
Parcel post (3.2%)
Sea cargo (73.9%)
EMBARKATION POINTS
In 2012–13, a total of 25 countries were identified as embarkation points for heroin detected
at the Australian border, compared with 19 countries in 2011–12. By number, the
Netherlands, Vietnam and Thailand were the primary embarkation points this reporting
period. In terms of weight, the primary embarkation points were Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan
and Malaysia. Of the 25 embarkation points, 13 had a total heroin detection weight of over
one kilogram.
Figure 31 illustrates the key source countries and embarkation points for heroin detections
by weight at the Australian border in 2012–13.
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64
FIGURE 31: Key source countries and embarkation points for heroin detections, by weight, at the Australian border, 2012–13
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
65
DRUG PROFILING
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) Forensic Drug Intelligence (FDI) team operates a
forensic drug profiling capability through the National Measurement Institute which enables
the identification of regions of origin and manufacturing trends for samples of heroin
submitted from seizures made at the Australian border. The capability also allows for
comparisons within and between seizures to identify distinct batches of drugs or potentially
demonstrate links between groups involved in illicit drug manufacture or trafficking. However,
only certain drug types are examined and not every seizure of drugs is analysed or profiled.5
The figures presented in Table 15 reflect border seizures made by law enforcement which
are amenable to chemical profiling. The results for 2012 and the first six months of 2013 are
significant due to the prevalence of South-East Asia heroin amongst those border seizures.
Previous years have seen notable fluctuation between the contribution attributed to the two
sources, and this high proportion comes despite the reported dominance of South-West Asia
in global opium cultivation. Ongoing monitoring of this breakdown can enable inferences to
be drawn about the relative importance of the two regions to the Australian market.
The proportion of analysed heroin border seizures, by number, originating from South-East
Asia increased from 49.0 per cent in 2011 to 70.7 per cent in 2012. This proportion
continued to increase in the first six months of 2013 to 81.3 per cent. Conversely, the
proportion of analysed border seizures originating from South-West Asia decreased, from
51.0 per cent in 2011 to 25.9 per cent in 2012. This proportion continued to decrease in the
first six months of 2013 to 18.7 per cent (see Table 15).
TABLE 15: Geographical origin of heroin samples as a proportion of analysed AFP border seizures,
2008–June 2013
Year
South-East
Asia %
South-West
Asia %
Unclassified
%
South-East Asia
& Unclassified %
South-West Asia
& Unclassified %
Jan–Jun 2013
81.3
18.7
–
–
–
2012
70.7
25.9
3.4
–
–
2011
49.0
51.0
–
–
–
2010
63.8
27.5
5.8
–
2.9
2009
53.9
42.6
3.4
–
–
2008
44.1
44.1
11.8
–
–
Source: Australian Federal Police, Forensic Drug Intelligence, 2013.
5
In examining profiling data, it should be noted that it relates to seizures investigated by the AFP between 2005
to June 2013, and from which samples were submitted to the National Measurement Institute for routine analysis
and profiling. Improvements in information technology have brought about changes to how the data is collated
and presented, and for this reason, care should be taken in comparing figures before 2010 to more recent data.
For all reporting years, the data represents a snapshot across the applicable reporting period. These figures
cannot reflect seizures that have not been submitted for forensic examination due to prioritisation of law
enforcement resources or those that have passed through the border undetected. Certain seizures/samples,
such as those containing swabs or trace material, have been omitted from the analysis as they are not amenable
to chemical profiling. It is difficult to extrapolate the impact of any observed trends on drugs reaching consumers
i.e. street level seizures in Australia. The AFP is collecting samples of heroin from selected state and territory
jurisdictions for chemical profiling as part of the Enhanced National Intelligence Picture on Illicit Drugs (ENIPID)
project.
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
66
The shift in the prominent source region for analysed heroin border seizures in 2011 is also
reflected in the proportion of analysed seizures by total bulk weight (see Table 15). Five
large seizures accounted for approximately 88 per cent of the total bulk weight
(359.6 kilograms) of heroin seized in 2012, all of which were chemically profiled to be of
South-East Asia origin. During the January to June 2013 period, 3 seizures chemically
profiled to be of South-East Asia origin accounted for approximately 60 per cent of the total
bulk weight of seized heroin (126.3 kilograms).
The proportion of analysed heroin border seizures by total bulk weight originating from
South-East Asia increased from 39.4 per cent in 2011 to 90.4 per cent in 2012. This
proportion has continued to increase to 93.6 per cent in the first six months of 2013.
Conversely, the proportion of analysed border seizures originating from South-West Asia
decreased from 60.6 per cent in 2011 to 1.2 per cent in 2012. Figures reported in the first six
months of 2013 continue to be low at 6.4 per cent (see Table 16).
TABLE 16: Geographical origin of heroin samples as a proportion of total bulk weight of analysed AFP
border seizures, 2005–June 20136
Year
South-East Asia %
South-West Asia %
Unclassified %
Jan–Jun 2013
93.6
6.4
–
2012
90.4
1.2
8.4
2011
39.4
60.6
–
2010
93.3
5.8
0.9
2009
48.2
40.9
10.9
2008
26.0
66.3
7.7
2007
47.9
50.6
1.5
2006
70.1
27.4
2.7
2005
78.9
18.0
3.1
Source: Australian Federal Police, Forensic Drug Intelligence, 2013.
The Enhanced National Intelligence Picture on Illicit Drugs (ENIPID) project extends the
routine drug profiling capabilities of law enforcement from seizures at the border to also
include state and territory seizures involving heroin, methylamphetamine, MDMA, and more
recently cocaine7. This enables detection of similarities between supply routes into different
jurisdictions; links between different criminal groups; as well as comparison of trends
between jurisdictions, including importations seized and profiled from the border.
ENIPID profiling data obtained between 2011 and 2013 shows heroin samples originating
predominately from South-East Asia. While exact proportions vary from year-to-year and are
subject to a range of variables, the predominating trend of South-East Asia heroin has
remained consistent in terms of both samples and cases. As with border figures, the market
appears to be fed through South-East Asia and South-West Asia sources, with no confirmed
detections of South American heroin among ENIPID samples (see Table 17 and 18).
6
Of note, analysed seizures in 2010 and 2011 were influenced by single large seizures from South-East Asia
and South-West Asia respectively. The significant influence of these 2 seizures on the profiling data
demonstrates that strategic assessments of the market must be made with caution.
7 Profiling of cocaine samples under the ENIPID project commenced in late 2013 and therefore falls outside the
reporting period.
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
67
TABLE 17: Geographical origin of heroin ENIPID samples as a proportion of analysed jurisdictional
samples, 2011–June 2013
Geographical origin
Year
Jan- Jun 2013
Jurisdiction
NSW
WA
Total
2012
ACT
NSW
WA
Total
2011
NSW
WA
Total
South-East Asia %
50.0
16.7
66.7
8.5
55.3
2.1
65.9
9.8
82.3
92.1
South-West Asia %
25.0
25.0
12.8
8.5
21.3
2.0
2.0
Mixed/ Unclassified %
8.3
8.3
12.8
12.8
3.9
2.0
5.9
Total
58.3
41.7
100
8.5
80.9
10.6
100
15.7
84.3
100
Note: This data set represents a total of 110 heroin samples. Due to a lack of available data, 14 samples were
classified based on sample collection date in place of sample seizure date.
Source: Australian Federal Police, Forensic Drug Intelligence, 2013
TABLE 18: Geographical origin of heroin ENIPID samples as a proportion of analysed jurisdictional
cases, 2011–June 2013
Geographical origin
Year
Jan-Jun 2013
Jurisdiction
NSW
WA
Total
2012
ACT
NSW
WA
Total
2011
Total
NSW
WA
South-East Asia %
60.0
20.0
80.0
9.4
46.9
3.1
59.4
18.8
56.3
75.1
South-West Asia %
10.0
10.0
12.5
9.4
21.9
6.2
6.2
Mixed/ Unclassified %
10.0
10.0
18.7
18.7
12.5
6.2
18.7
Total
70.0
30.0
100
9.4
78.1
12.5
100
37.5
62.5
100
Note: This heroin data set represents a total of 58 cases. Due to a lack of available data, 14 samples were
classified based on sample collection date in place of sample seizure date.
Source: Australian Federal Police, Forensic Drug Intelligence, 2013
DOMESTIC MARKET INDICATORS
According to the 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS), 1.4 per cent of
the Australian population aged 14 years or older reported using heroin at least once in their
lifetime. In the same survey, 0.2 per cent reported recent8 heroin use (AIHW 2011).
In a 2012 national study of regular injecting drug users, the proportion of respondents
reporting recent9 heroin use decreased from 62 per cent in 2011 to 60 per cent in 2012.
Recent heroin users within this regular injecting drug user population reported using heroin a
median of 72 days in the six months preceding interview, which has remained stable since
2011. Early findings from the 2013 study indicate the proportion of recent heroin use
remained stable at 60 per cent, with the reported median days of heroin use in the six
months preceding interview decreasing to 60 days (see Figure 32) (NDARC 2013;
Stafford & Burns 2013).
In the NDSHS, ‘recent use’ refers to reported use in the 12 months preceding interview.
The term ‘recent use’ in the regular injecting drug user and regular ecstasy user studies refers to reported use in
the six months preceding interview.
8
9
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
68
FIGURE 32: Proportion of a regular injecting drug user population reporting recent heroin use and
median days of use, 2004 to 2013 (Source: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre)
Recent use
100
180
90
160
80
140
70
120
60
100
50
80
40
60
30
20
40
10
20
0
Median days use (max = 180)
Recent use (%)
Median days
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013a
a. Note: Reported figures for 2013 are preliminary.
According to the 2012 national study of regular injecting drug users 54 per cent respondents
reported heroin as their drug of choice. Forms of heroin used were white/off-white powder or
rock (93 per cent) and brown powder or rock (48 per cent). There continues to be minimal
reporting of home-bake heroin use, with injection the most common reported method of
administration. Early findings from the 2013 study indicate the proportion of respondents
reporting heroin as their drug of choice decreased to 53 per cent (NDARC 2013;
Stafford & Burns 2013).
In a 2012 national study of regular ecstasy users, the proportion of respondents reporting
recent heroin use decreased from 7 per cent in 2011 to 5 per cent in 2012. Recent heroin
users within this regular ecstasy user population reported using heroin a median of 5 days in
the six months preceding interview, a decrease from the 12 days reported in 2011. Early
findings from the 2013 study indicate the proportion of respondents reporting recent heroin
use remains relatively stable at 4 per cent.10 Injection (80 per cent) was the most common
reported method of administration, followed by smoking at 23 per cent, snorting at
13 per cent and swallowing at 3 per cent (NDARC 2013; Sindicich & Burns 2013).
Research on drug use among police detainees in Australia incorporates a self-report
survey11 and voluntary urinalysis. The proportion of detainees testing positive for heroin has
decreased from 13.7 per cent in 2003–04 to 9.9 per cent in 2012–13. Self-reported use of
heroin decreased from 19.6 per cent in 2003–04 to 13.4 per cent in 2012–13. More recently,
the proportion of detainees testing positive for heroin use remained relatively stable between
2011–12 and 2012–13 at around 10 per cent, while self-reported heroin use decreased from
14.3 per cent in 2011–12 to 13.4 per cent in 2012–13 (see Figure 33).
10
11
Early findings from the 2013 EDRS for reported median days of heroin use were not available.
The self-report survey indicates drug use in the 12 months preceding interview.
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
69
FIGURE 33: Proportion of detainees testing positivea for heroin compared with self-reported use,
2003–04 to 2012–13b (Source: Australian Institute of Criminology)
Urinalysis
Self reporting
25
Proportion (%)
20
15
10
5
2012–13
2011–12
2010–11
2009–10
2008–09
2007–08
2006–07
2005–06
2004–05
2003–04
0
a. Urine was collected in only two sites during the fourth quarter of 2012.
b. Figures reported for 2012–13 reflect data collected in the third and fourth quarter of 2012 only.
PRICE
Nationally, the price for a gram of heroin in 2012–13 ranged between $220 and $1 000. The
price for an 8-ball12 of heroin ranged between $550 and $2 000.13 The price for an ounce of
heroin in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia was higher than prices reported in
New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
PURITY
Figure 34 illustrates the annual median purity of heroin in Australia since 2003–04. During
the last decade, the median purity of analysed heroin samples ranged between 12.2 per cent
and 51.0 per cent. In 2012–13, the annual median purity of heroin ranged between
14.1 per cent in Victoria to 30.0 per cent in Western Australia. Of note, since 2009–10,
Western Australia has continued to report the highest annual median purity for heroin. In
2012–13, South Australia was the only jurisdiction to record an increase in annual median
purity.
12
An 8-ball equates to 3.5 grams.
This high price is attributed to the reported price of an 8-ball of heroin in Western Australia, which ranged
between $1 900 and $2 000 in 2012–13.
13
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
70
FIGURE 34: Annual median purity of heroin samples, 2003–04 to 2012–13
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
ACT
100
90
80
Purity (%)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
2012–13
2011–12
2010–11
2009–10
2008–09
2007–08
2006–07
2005–06
2004–05
2003–04
0
Figure 35 illustrates the median purity of analysed heroin samples on a quarterly basis in
2012–13. The quarterly median purity of heroin ranged from 13.3 per cent in Queensland to
41.0 per cent in Western Australia. Of note, Western Australia reported the highest median
purity for analysed heroin samples for three of the four quarters in this reporting period.
FIGURE 35: Quarterly median purity of heroin samples, 2012–13
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
100
90
80
Purity (%)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
q2 2013
q1 2013
q4 2012
q3 2012
0
AVAILABILITY
In a 2012 national study of regular injecting drug users, of the respondents able to comment
on the availability of heroin, 87 per cent reported heroin as being easy or very easy to obtain.
This remains consistent with figures reported in 2011. Early findings from the 2013 study
indicate this figure has remained relatively stable, with 85 per cent of respondents reporting
heroin as easy or very easy to obtain (NDARC 2013; Stafford & Burns 2013).
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
71
SEIZURES AND ARRESTS
In 2012–13, the number of national heroin seizures decreased by 9.9 per cent, from 1 758 in
2011–12, to 1 584 in 2012–13. Despite this decrease, the number of heroin seizures this
reporting period is the third highest reported in the last decade. The weight of national heroin
seizures increased by 40.2 per cent, from 388.3 kilograms in 2011–12 to 544.4 kilograms in
2012–13 and is the highest reported in the last decade (see Figure 36).
FIGURE 36: National heroin seizures, by number and weight, 2003–04 to 2012–13
Weight
Number
600
2000
1800
1600
1400
400
1200
300
1000
800
200
Number
Weight (kg)
500
600
400
100
200
2012–13
2011–12
2010–11
2009–10
2008–09
2007–08
2006–07
2005–06
2004–05
0
2003–04
0
New South Wales continued to account for the greatest proportion of national heroin
seizures this reporting period, accounting for 53.5 per cent of the number of national
seizures and 69.4 per cent of the weight of national seizures. In 2012–13, the Northern
Territory and the Australian Capital Territory reported increases in the number of heroin
seizures. New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, the Northern Territory and
Australian Capital Territory all reported increases in the weight of heroin seizures this
reporting period, with Queensland and the Northern Territory reporting significant percentage
increases compared to 2011–12 (see Table 19).
TABLE 19: Number, weight and percentage change of national heroin seizures, 2011–12 and 2012–13
Number
State/Territorya
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
South Australia
Western Australia
Tasmania
Northern Territory
Australian Capital Territory
Total
2011–12
849
358
227
58
230
2
3
31
1 758
Weight (grams)
2012–13
848
275
194
40
173
0
8
46
1 584
% change
-0.1
-23.2
-14.5
-31.0
-24.8
-100.0
166.7
48.4
-9.9
2011–12
283 653
100 662
989
1 489
1 548
1
8
46
388 396
2012–13
% change
377 798
28 679
128 818
1 857
937
0
6 148
243
544 480
33.2
-71.5
12 925.1
24.7
-39.5
-100.0
76 750.0
428.3
40.2
a. Includes seizures by state/territory police and AFP for which a valid seizure weight was recorded.
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
72
Over the last decade, the number of national heroin and other opioid arrests has decreased
33.3 per cent, from 3 691 in 2003–04 to 2 463 in 2012–13. In this reporting period, national
heroin and other opioids arrests decreased by 9.2 per cent, from 2 714 in 2011–12 to
2 463 in 2012–13. Consumer arrests accounted for 68.1 per cent of national heroin and
other opioid arrests this reporting period, with South Australia reporting more heroin and
other opioid provider arrests than consumer arrests (see Figure 37).
FIGURE 37: Number of national heroin and other opioid arrests, 2003–04 to 2012–13
Total
Consumer
Provider
4000
3500
Number
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
2012–13
2011–12
2010–11
2009–10
2008–09
2007–08
2006–07
2005–06
2004–05
2003–04
0
Victoria has accounted for the greatest proportion of national heroin and other opioids
arrests over the last decade, accounting for 49.4 per cent of arrests in 2012–13. South
Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory all reported increases in the number of heroin
and other opioid arrests this reporting period. In 2012–13, related arrests in New South
Wales and Victoria accounted for 75.7 per cent of national heroin and other opioids arrests
(see Table 20).
TABLE 20: Number and percentage change of national heroin and other opioid arrests,
2011–12 and 2012–13
Arrests
State/Territorya
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
South Australia
Western Australia
Tasmania
Northern Territory
Australian Capital Territory
Total
2011–12
668
1 425
314
85
180
13
1
28
2012–13
648
1 217
291
111
155
18
3
20
% change
-3.0
-14.6
-7.3
30.6
-13.9
38.5
200.0
-28.6
2 714
2 463
-9.2
a. The arrest data for each state and territory includes AFP data.
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
73
NATIONAL IMPACT
In 2013, opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan reached a record high, with the estimated
illicit opium production in Afghanistan increasing by 49 per cent compared with 2011.
Afghanistan remains the largest producer of illicit opium in the world, accounting for
75 per cent of global illicit production in 2012.
South-East and South-West Asia remain the key source regions for heroin seized at the
Australian border. In 2012, the majority of heroin profiled was sourced from South-East Asia,
with increases in the proportion of analysed border seizures of South-East Asian origin, for
both number and total bulk weight. This trend has continued in the first six months of 2013.
The predominance of heroin of South-East Asian origin is also reflected in heroin profiled as
part of the ENIPID project.
In 2012–13, both the number and weight of heroin detections at the Australian border
increased, with the weight the highest on record. Parcel post continues to account for the
highest proportion of the number of heroin detections at the Australian border, while sea
cargo accounted for the highest proportion of the weight of detected heroin this reporting
period. In 2012–13, the number of countries identified as embarkation points for heroin
detected at the Australian border increased by 31.6 per cent, from 19 countries in 2011–12
to 25 countries in 2012–13. By number the Netherlands, Vietnam and Thailand were the
primary embarkation points this reporting period. In terms of weight, Thailand, Vietnam and
Malaysia continue to be prominent heroin embarkation points.
The number of national heroin seizures decreased from 1 758 in 2011–12, to 1 584 in
2012–13. Despite this decrease, heroin seizures in this reporting period were the third
highest reported in the last decade. The weight of national heroin seizures increased from
388.3 kilograms in 2011–12 to 544.4 kilograms in 2012–13, and is the highest reported in
the last decade. New South Wales continued to account for the greatest proportion of both
the number and weight of national heroin seizures this reporting period, with Queensland
and the Northern Territory reporting significant percentage increases in the weight of heroin
seized compared with 2011–12.
In 2012–13, heroin and other opioid arrests decreased, with the 2 463 arrests the lowest
number reported since 2007–08. Victoria continued to account for the greatest proportion of
national heroin and other opioids arrests this reporting period. While heroin and other opioid
consumer arrests continue to account for the greatest proportion of national arrests, in
2012–13, South Australia reported more heroin and other opioid provider arrests than
consumer arrests.
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
74
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Illicit Drug Data Report 2012–13
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