Skip to main content
Home
  • The Legislative Assembly meets on 16/04/2024 (01:00 PM)
    Assembly sit 16/04/2024
  • The Legislative Council meets on 16/04/2024 (01:00 PM)
    Council sit 16/04/2024
  • The Public Administration meets on 08/04/2024 (10:00 AM)
    Committee meet 08/04/2024

Parliamentary Questions


Question On Notice No. 2749 asked in the Legislative Council on 11 February 2020 by Hon Alison Xamon

Question Directed to the: Minister for Environment representing the Minister for Police
Parliament: 40 Session: 1


Question

I refer to media reporting in early December 2019 regarding three deaths occurring in Perth on the same day as a result of a suspected ‘bad batch’ of drugs, and I ask,:
(a) how many deaths occurring in Perth in November and December 2019 do police suspect to be the result of the bad batch of drugs;
(b) how many suspected overdoses occurring around that time do police suspect to be the result of the same batch of drugs;
(c) has it been determined what type of drug or combination of drugs caused the deaths and overdoses;
(d) if yes to (c), what drug or combination of drugs;
(e) if no to (c), when will this be determined;
(f) did police undertake any harm minimisation activities after becoming aware of these suspected overdoses;
(g) if yes to (f), what activities; and
(h) if no to (f), why not?

Answered on 17 March 2020

The Western Australia Police Force advise:

(a) – (e) On 7 December 2019, three suspected drug overdose deaths were reported in a 24-hour period.  At the time these deaths were believed to be linked to a “bad batch” of drugs.  However, subsequent Police inquiries and post mortem toxicology results identified different types of illicit drugs were involved (MDMA/heroin).  No links to a common source or a specific bad batch of drugs were identified.

(f)  - (g) On 7 December 2019, following the three suspected drug overdose deaths, the Western Australia Police Force issued a media release titled ‘Drug Overdose Warning’ warning the community of the dangers associated with illicit drug use.  On 9 December 2019, the Commissioner conducted a media conference to communicate warnings as to the dangers of illicit drug use and key harm minimisation messaging. This was followed up with a WA Police Force social media post.

(h) Not applicable