By Margaret Maccoll
About 10 people a week face charges on illicit drug-related issues in Noosa.
From today codeine can no longer be obtained without a prescription from a chemist and already thefts of codeine have gained the attention of Noosa Heads Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
Noosa Heads CIB Detective Sergeant Tim Byrnes said codeine was stolen during three unsolved break-ins late last year at pharmacies at Sunrise Beach and Marcoola.
But by far the drug causing most police concern in Noosa is Ice while others in use locally include Cocaine, the party drug Ecstacy, Cannabis and to a lesser degree Heroin.
“It’s naïve to think you can eliminate drug use, however, I believe that compared to some other regions throughout the State the Noosa region has a lower incidence of drug associated crime”, he said.
According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation Crystal Methamphetamine or Ice is very addictive, can make people feel more alert and confident and stay awake for days at a time. There is no safe level of the drug often made in backyard labs in varying levels of purity and it affects everyone differently. Frequent Ice use can cause psychosis, aggressive and violent behaviour and long-term effects include weight loss, trouble concentrating and sleeping, anxiety, depression, violence, heart and kidney problems and increased risk of stroke.
Det Sgt Byrnes described Ice as “a scourge in any community”.
“There’s a clear connection between the use of Ice and violent tendencies of users and because of the drug’s addictive nature users are committing crimes to fund their drug habits,” he said. “I would estimate at least a third of all crime has some connection with illicit drug use. When we respond to violent crimes we often find illicit drug use as a factor. Many serious violent crimes investigated by Police often have underlying drug issues present.”
Ice users are found in every regional area and all walks of life from teenagers to mature citizens and across a broad range of occupational groups.
“Drugs impact on people’s lives in so many negative ways,” he said.
“Any family who has an Ice addict would know how destructive Ice can be, not only for the user but those close to them. For rehabilitation to occur there has to be a real concerted effort. We find the use of illicit drugs can lead to mental health issues and the deterioration of mental health creates complex problems. And mental health issues can be exacerbated by illicit drug use.”
Det Sgt Byrnes said the Sunshine Coast CIB targeted drug suppliers, working in collaboration with other local, State and Federal Law Enforcement bodies to achieve their goals.
He encourages any local residents with information in relation to illicit drug supply and use to contact CrimeStoppers on 1 800 333 000, where they can pass on information, anonymously if they so wish.
Statistics recently released by Noosa police reveal drug offences have increased significantly in the region in the past 20 years while overall crime has decreased.
Drug offences have almost tripled from about 200 cases in 1997-98 to almost 590 cases in 2015-16, before dropping to about 490 in the latest financial year.
Noosa Heads officer-in- charge Senior Sergeant Ben Carroll said an increased population and proactive police action were contributing factors.
