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Mining Drug Raids in WA

Mining drug raids continue in WA


FMG’s Cloudbreak mine has been the target of a police drug raid as the industry-wide crackdown continues.
FIFO workers were searched as they disembarked from planes landing at the site

"This is part of a community and industry-wide crackdown, to reduce the incidents of illicit drugs/substance possession," WA Police said.

"This is a community issue and the community can expect to see more of these police actions in the near future."

So far the searches have resulted in one summons for possessing prescription drugs without a prescription.

Another worker is set to undergo further testing after returning a positive result for THC, a compound found in cannabis.

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union secretary Steve McCartney said the searches over-the-top as workers are already subject to drug and alcohol testing.

"To bully and harass people at the airport is over the top," McCartney said.
"It is like they're treating everyone as guilty until proved innocent."

FMG chief Nev Power has said the company is taking a stand against drugs.
 “As part of Fortescue’s zero tolerance policy on the use and possession of illegal drugs, our company is leading an industry-wide anti-drug operation in conjunction with the West Australian police,” Power said.
Read the article here

MediNat Comment:

For FIFO drug testing, we advise all employees to test themselves before flying in.
Many already purchase from MediNat Australia as we have a comprehensive range of tests and most likely the same as the one you will be tested with when you arrive.

As for body and kit searches, it is inconvenient and harsh but an onsite incident can be much worse! better to check all than suffer the pain from a personal perspective.

Coming out of the mining industry, I have seen guys sustain serious debilitating lifelong injuries through being under the influence, they will suffer forever. A check comes and goes in minutes.

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