Drug use paraphernalia pair prosecuted
Issue Date: - Tuesday, 11 December 2007
The proprietors of a shop in the Smart Street Mall in Mandurah that sells paraphernalia for drug use, have both been found guilty of selling a banned ‘ice pipe’ from their business Hemp Revolution.
Barry Owen Cameron and Sharon Faye Chapman were convicted in the Perth Magistrates Court of supplying an ice pipe contrary to a Product Safety Order, an offence under the Fair Trading Act.
They were fined a total of $6,713 in fines and costs.
“Although the defendants tried to draw a distinction between the banned item that they sold and another drug use item claiming it was part of a ‘bong’ in order to avoid punishment, the offence was proven,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.
“We banned ice pipes and similar items in March last year as their sole purpose is for the inhaling of crystal methamphetamine, or ‘ice’ as it is known on the street.
“Subsequent to the banning order, a routine inspection of outlets found ice pipes for sale at Hemp Revolution in Mandurah,” Mr. Walker said.
In March 2006 following the Minister for Consumer Protection’s media statement announcing the Government’s ban of ice pipes, media coverage and community education undertakings concerning the dangers of using ice and the banning of ice pipes appeared throughout the community.
“This outcome reaffirms our commitment to pursue and prosecute those who continue to sell dangerous products after banning orders have been issued.
“We do not issue banning orders lightly and retailers should take them seriously when we do, as prosecution for selling banned items could be the least of their worries if someone was to be seriously injured or even die because of their actions,” the Commissioner said.