Chemicals can be security risks
December 4, 2012
A reminder that chemicals
pharmacists handle every
day can be a security risk.
Internationally, hydrogen
peroxide has been used in
terrorist attacks, such as in
the London Bombings, to
cause fatalities and mass
casualties.
In 2005, police in Australia
uncovered a plot involving a
group of men from Sydney
and Victoria who were
stockpiling chemicals and
materials, including
hydrogen peroxide, in
preparation for a terrorist
attack.
In both scenarios, materials
for the homemade explosive
were purchased from retail
stores such as hardware,
beauty stores and pharmacies.
Help prevent, detect and
deter chemical misuse by
considering:
• Is the customer unfamiliar
with the chemical's
intended purpose?
• Does the purchaser have
invalid or out-of-date
documentation?
• Are the chemicals being
purchased with large cash
payments?
• Is the customer willing to
provide adequate forms of
identification?
If you are suspicious of any
transaction, you can report it
to the National Security
Hotline on 1800 123 400.
Alternatively, you can email
the National Security Hotline at
hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au.
For more information see
www.australia.gov.au/
chemicalsecurity.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 04 Dec 12To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 04 Dec 12
