Drug offences drop, ice prevalent

On average, across Victoria, drug-related crime jumped 14 per cent from March 2015 – 2016.

While cannabis is still the most prevalent drug in the municipality, recording 132 offences during the period, its levels have remained stable since 2006, while methamphetamine, or ice, crime has skyrocketed in recent years, with 56 offences to March 2016, up from 1 in March 2012. 

Crime Statistics Agency figures also show recorded drug crime in the Central Goldfields region has jumped 40 per cent – 32-45 offences – from March 2015 – 2016.

Similarly, Campaspe Shire had a 39 per cent increase in drug-related offences – 84-117 – over the same period. 

Cannabis offences in Greater Bendigo, down from 179-132, and amphetamine crime, reduced from 38-18, were the two drugs experiencing significant decreases in recorded crime. 

Bendigo police Inspector Shane Brundell said the figures illustrated ice was still the drug of choice locally. 

“There have been a number of police operations over the years targeting the trafficking of ice with great effect but it’s still prevalent,” said Inspector Brundell, suggesting the drug was being made locally and transported into the region. 

“It (ice) is a community issue. We (police) rely on those eyes and ears in the community,” he said, while urging anyone with related information to call Crime Stoppers. 

Ballarat (8 per cent) and Greater Geelong (14 per cent) recorded increases in drug-related crime over the same period. 

Synthetic drugs, although not yet illegal, were also on the radar of local police, he said. 

The state government introduced legislation into parliament in March proposing to ban any substance that had psychoactive properties, however the bill has not been made law thus far.

“Until it (synthetic drugs) become illegal to sell, from a law enforcement point of view, there’s very little we can do,” he said.