A NEW national report into illicit drug use has revealed an alarming increase in the use of “backyard” party drugs, but cannabis remains the most widely-used drug.
And the Australian Crime Commission Illicit Drug Data Report warns of the dangers of drugs cultivated in backyard laboratories.
The commission report says the recreational drug “ice” – or crystal methylamphetamine – is becoming more widely-used by young addicts, but cannabis remains the most common drug, accounting for more than 70 per cent of arrests in 2004/05.
Victoria Police provisional crime statistics for 20004/05 show that there was a drop in offences recorded for the cultivation, manufacture and trafficking of illicit drugs in Brimbank.
There were 286 offences recorded, showing an 8.6 per cent reduction from the 313 offences recorded in 2003/04.
There was also a 23 per cent reduction in offences recorded for the possession and use of illegal drugs – from 414 to 316.
And records for neighbouring Maribyrnong have also shown a marked drop in offences, with a cultivation down 50 per cent and possession/use 40 per cent.
Star last week visited one of Sunshine’s secondary schools and spoke with several students as they finished classes for the day.
After speaking briefly with 10 students, all but one admitted using or knowing someone who had used an illicit drug.
“It’s pretty easy to get a hold of drugs these days if you go about it the right way,” 17-year-old student Daniel said.
“I’ve smoked a few joints of marijuana at a party – it wasn’t really my thing though – but I know guys who are popping pills most weekends.
“I think that people don’t really think much of it, if you want do it, you’ll do it,” Daniel said.
Year 12 student Renae agreed that drugs were relatively easy to get hold of if you “knew the right people”.
“I’ve never touched drugs, not even a smoke,” she said.
“But I know people who have tried eccies (ecstasy) and dope.”
Renae said most people she knew, who had used illicit drugs, did so on the weekends while partying with friends, and that pills were the most commonly used.
“People will drink and do drugs – you can’t stop them from trying if they want to,” she said.
“You just have to keep an eye out for your friends.”
