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