SOCA enlists freight and courier companies to help frustrate illegal drug production

06 September 2010

SOCA has alerted freight and courier companies that criminals involved in the manufacture and bulking of illegal drugs are exploiting their services in an attempt to reduce the risks the criminals face themselves.

By reporting suspicions, companies can help SOCA keep the chemicals needed to make drugs like ecstasy and amphetamine, and those used for cutting cocaine, out of the criminal supply chain.

Courier companies have been asked to stop transporting benzocaine, lidocaine and phenacetin, which are used as cutting agents for cocaine. Staff in freight and courier companies’ call centres, distribution centres and delivery services have also been given a list of telltale signs that could indicate criminals are using their services.  

Many of the precursor chemicals involved in the manufacture of ecstasy and methylamphetamine are volatile or toxic and drug labs are dangerous places where the risk of fire or explosion is high. Anyone with suspicions is advised to report them to their responsible safety officer, rather than attempt to intervene.

A similar initiative with chemical supply companies has resulted in a number of high profile prosecutions. SOCA has no doubt that similar success could result from freight and courier companies reporting their suspicions.

Read the related news item about the destruction of two tonnes of benzocaine, an often used cutting agent for cocaine.

To find out more about SOCA Alerts visit the Protecting Your Business pages.