Just a bit of an update for everyone following this thread. Had my court date. No new charges. According to the paperwork, the police attained a general search warrant based on the sep funnel i attempted to order from the US. Outcome of the case was a No conviction recorded, and a $350 fine. all property forfeit to the crown. So I think things worked out pretty well for me. I think my lawyer may have had something to do with it tho. getting a good lawyer if your in trouble is definately worth it.
Stay safe people.
Good outcome for you, I actually wrote a post for this thread expressing my opinion/frustation at your (and Australia's) situation, but It got too long and I was slightly off topic...
Here I go again, I'll write a shorter post this time and actually post it.
It's obviously a coincidence that you are a drug user and have a chemistry hobby/interest, I'm guessing you don't have ties to any bikie gangs and you're not importing kilos of cocaine... so, Looking at it from their side of things you can understand what they may think if you had a past (of drug use, and/or association or knowing dealers who have been caught) and whatnot. From what you've said your grandmother could order this equipment and cop a search warrant? Perhaps due to your age/gender and past they decided to target you? Hmm, Bullshit.... But probably a good thing that every tom dick and jerry can't go and setup a meth lab with ease, though.
That said, it seems anything restricted by the government only penalizes the legitimate users of the item. Take firearms for example, Criminals can get guns easily -- It's a crime.... and weapons are available on the black market the same way they were before the restrictions. Oh, and Pseudoephedrine Is near impossible to get if you've got a cold/flu, Chemists do not even recommend it, even though it is the best MEDICINE for someone with a cold/flu, In fact I have heard of them flat out refusing to provide it without even checking the register, purely discrimination on what you're wearing or how you look and how old you are .etc, but hey, If you want some Meth or pseudo you can get it in good supply on the drug market. I'm sure it's the same with your chemistry equipment, setting up a drug lab? No problem, obtain the gear illegally and with ease most likely. However, import it with legit reasons from overseas and you'll cop a search warrant. I know people that've called up their meth dealer for meth or some pseudo to help with a cold/flu because it's that hard to obtain and you get looked at like a criminal if you ask for it, Not to even mention the register if you don't get flat out refused or told it isn't even made or stocked anymore.
I have a hard time believing they catch every bit of potentially illegal chemistry gear coming into australia. If you imported something illegally like you have, you should have copped a knock on the door at the very most, I'd even go as far to say customs should have just seized it and sent you a love letter or had a cop come and chat with you about the situation... Instead they launch a full blown investigation and get a search warrant for your home. I could understand if you're importing various RC's/powders and/or pill presses, binders, etc or are getting suspect mail/packages from overseas regularly. Maybe that might ring some alarm bells...
It seems they take possession of this equipment quite seriously, I do think it was an over reaction though, hopefully this isn't happening on a regular basis with legit chemisty hobbyists, and I'm glad you got off with a minor fine and drug diversion, because, lets face it....you weren't running a meth lab or even cooking anything illegal & there was no evidence that the possession of the powders and other drugs were manufactured using the equipment you had.
Thanks for making this thread by the way, you might even save someone a search warrant should they have a chemistry hobby/interest and source equipment they may not be allowed to have.
![:\](https://bluelight.org/xf/BL_Images/Orig_Emoji/wrygrin.gif "wry grin :\")
