DRUG TASK FORCE

By Lucy and Fran year 10 legal studies

Drug Task Force

Official name: Major Drug Investigation Division

It came into action in 1952 to combat illicit drug trafficking and investigates the people involved.

Special Skills and Training

Officers in this field undergo specialised training to allow them to safely enter, investigate and dismantle anything including drugs

Advanced knowledge and training about all types of drugs and their effects

Duties Performed

Investigates the manufacturer, cultivation, trafficking, and distribution of illegal drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, LSD and many more

Selected squad members are sent interstate to other police forces to assist them with the investigations of drug trafficking

Current Activities – 24, November 2010

The Victorian Drug Task Force made their largest drug bust ever last year in November

30 million dollars were seized in raid over various properties across western Victoria and Melbourne

8,000 cannabis plants were seized 16 people facing court charges 650 Victorian police officers, members of the

federal police, immigrations department and other agencies were involved

Current Activities – 8 March 2011

Cronulla house stormed in drug bust Drug force seized money, cocaine, ice,

weapons and some stolen property Investigated money laundering and drug

racket\ http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2011/

03/08/3158666.htm?site=sydney

Reasons for the existence of the Drug Task Force

To protect Victoria against any unlawful drug trafficking

To prevent future drug deals

To stop the rise of drug usage in young adolescents in Victoria

Interesting Information

The Drug Task Force enforces Victoria’s Drug Poisons and Controlled substances act 1981

In 2002 the squad’s name was changed to the Major Drug Investigation Division

The Task Force consists of detectives, analysts and support staff

Training to become a Police Officer

You must be at least 18 years old The application process takes about 4 – 5

months When you’re eligibility is confirmed, you take

the Victoria Police Entrance Exam. The exam consists of 5 tests (spelling and

comprehension, maths, reasoning ability, English skills and writing) all which must be passed

After this, you must have a background check to ensure you’re a suitable Police officer

Training to become a Police Officer

Then you have a fitness test which must be passed which includes the hand grip test, the Illinois Agility run and the beep test

As well as a 1.3m obstacle climb, ten push ups on your toes, a prone test and a 100m swimming test

You need to have completed VCE if under the age of 21(any score)

The training has a duration on 2 years There is no height restriction

Training to become a Police Officer

BMI test and sum of skin folds test Once a police officer, you will be tested

twice a year on your fitness You must be an Australian Citizen or at

least hold a permanent residency

Relevant Articles

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/women-charged-with-drug-trafficking-20100812-120ea.html