Media Releases

The special report exposes evidence of illicit drug use in Victoria Police and identifies serious deficiencies in the handling of drug issues by the force.

The report provides the findings of three IBAC investigations known as Operation Apsley, Hotham and Yarrowitch which examined allegations of illicit drug use by Victoria Police officers. The report includes a broader assessment of Victoria Police’s systems and practices to detect and prevent illicit drug use by its officers. IBAC recommends Victoria Police undertake a range of actions to address the issues and deficiencies identified. 

IBAC Commissioner Mr Stephen O’Bryan QC said “illicit drug use and police work are fundamentally incompatible. 

“Illicit drug use, possession and trafficking are criminal offences which contravene the oath or affirmation sworn by all police officers, as well as contravening the professional and ethical standards and values Victoria Police are required to uphold.

“Police officers who use, possess or traffic illicit drugs not only make themselves vulnerable to blackmail or coercion and put themselves at real risk of being exploited by organised criminals, but they also present a health and safety risk to their colleagues and the broader community when they are making critical decisions or handling lethal weapons whilst impaired by illicit drugs. 

“Police officers cannot be selective in choosing which criminal laws they will obey. Our investigations found that while most of the police officers investigated were aware they were engaging in illegal conduct, they rationalised their off-duty criminality as being separate to their obligations as police officers. 

“Victoria Police need to clearly and actively articulate to all personnel on a regular basis that their off-duty behaviour is not separate to their on-duty competency, and their behaviour whether on duty and off duty must be consistent with the values and standards expected of police.”

Operation Apsley, which started in June last year was one of IBAC’s most intensive and complex investigations of Victoria Police personnel misconduct. The Operation utilised a broad range of IBAC’s investigative and other powers to uncover and investigate allegations of multiple police officers involved in the use, possession and trafficking of illicit drugs. 

The Apsley investigation revealed there was a group of police officers for whom illicit drug use was an accepted and regular part of their social lives. The drugs involved included cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, LSD, and ketamine. The two other IBAC Operations: Hotham and Yarrowitch, also exposed illicit drug use by Victoria Police.

In addition to evidence of serious illicit drug use by Victoria Police officers, the investigations also highlight broader systemic weaknesses in Victoria Police’s current approach to preventing and detecting illicit drug use by its officers.

“IBAC is concerned that evidence from these investigations represents only a snapshot of a more widespread and serious problem for Victoria Police, with illicit drug use extending beyond the individuals and work groups exposed in these investigations. There is a clear opportunity for Victoria Police to improve the way in which they manage the issue and risks concerning illicit drug use by officers,” Mr O’Bryan said.

IBAC has recommended the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police undertake a comprehensive review of the use of illicit drugs by Victoria Police officers, as well as associated policies, systems and practices to reduce the likelihood of police officers engaging in illicit drug activity. This review should consider:

• the development of a clear policy on the use of illicit drugs and the consequences of such use by officers, with reference to contemporary best practice 
• strengthening recruitment processes and policies to more effectively identify and manage risks
• examining the adequacy of the current drug testing regime and how it can be improved 
• improving training and communication to clearly and regularly reinforce Victoria Police’s position and response to illicit drug use by its officers 
• ensuring appropriate welfare and support arrangements for officers who appear to be using illicit drugs, including those who voluntarily disclose their use of illicit drugs.

Allegations against eight police officers were substantiated as part of IBAC’s investigations. Of these officers, two have been charged with offences relating to giving false evidence, misleading or attempting to mislead IBAC, and inciting a witness to mislead IBAC. One officer has been charged with drug offences by Victoria Police. One officer has been dismissed, three have resigned, three are currently suspended and one returned to work after receiving an admonishment notice.

The Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police has welcomed this report, advising that it accepts the recommendations made by IBAC, and is committed to reviewing current policies and practices regarding drug use, recruitment and drug testing. Victoria Police is required to submit to IBAC a progress and final report on the development and implementation of a more robust framework to prevent and detect police illicit drug use over the next two years.

IBAC’s independent police oversight role includes undertaking strategic research and other projects to assist Victoria Police to improve its systems and practices, reviewing internal investigations conducted by Victoria Police, and independently investigating cases of serious or systemic police misconduct and corruption.

Media contact: media@ibac.vic.gov.au or 0427 480 840.

Editors, please note: for legal and operational reasons, IBAC will not be providing interviews.