Lorraine Rose Beyer

Burnt Boats and Barbeques: Heroin Importation and Higher Level Drug Dealing in Australia Lorraine Rose Beyer

Very little is known of higher level drug offending beyond stereotypes. Unlike most other areas of criminology there is a large gap in knowledge which is resulting in ill-informed public and political debate and a very narrow evidence-base on which to base policy and strategy. This study is based on agency data and interviews with law enforcement informants in Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong. The characteristics of offenders detected importing heavy weights of heroin into Australia are contrasted with those importing lighter weights. A number of new findings challenge current concepts and stereotypes and have implications for future policy and strategy aimed at supply reduction.