Maroochydore among Sunshine Coast’s worst for drug crime – ranked list
Drug offences have been on a slow decline over the past three years on the Sunshine Coast, but some suburbs have struggled to kick the habit. See the full list.
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The scourge of drugs on the Sunshine Coast has touched almost every suburb, with crimes ranging from trafficking to possession regularly before the region’s courts.
In a positive sign, overall drug offences have been on the slow decline over the past three years.
In 2019, there were a total of 4763 drug offences on the Sunshine Coast, with 4511 last year and only 2431 to date this year with three months left.
Of the offences this year, there have been 28 cases of trafficking, 1146 for possession, 103 for producing, 105 for supplying and 1049 classified as other drug offences.
Through Queensland Police Service statistics, we have detailed drug offences for the region’s suburbs over the past 12 months (September 25, 2020 – September 26, 2021).
Despite an overall decline in total offences, some suburbs have either maintained or had an increase in drug crime.
Here are the top 20 worst suburbs when it comes to drugs offences on the Sunshine Coast.
1. MAROOCHYDORE – 264 drug offences
The busy suburb, home to plenty of party night-life on Ocean Street, was the region’s worst for drug crime.
It was top in 2017 as well, with 401 offences, and top again between August 2018-19 with 338.
Including all crime, the area had a total of 2739 offences over the past 12 months.
Other offences
Assault: 156
Unlawful entry: 112
Property damage: 187
Theft: 936
Traffic: 179
2. NAMBOUR – 201 drug offences
The hinterland hub has fluctuated over the past few years but maintained its position as second worst in the region for drugs.
In 2017 there were 311 offences while between August 2018-19 there were 180.
Including all crime, the area had a total of 1270 offences over the past 12 months.
Other offences
Assault: 93
Unlawful entry: 53
Property damage: 104
Unlawful use of motor vehicle: 26
Thefts: 311
Traffic: 114
3. TEWANTIN – 129 drug offences
The suburb was had a slight decline over the past three years but still remains one of the top three worst suburbs for drug crime.
In 2017, Tewantin had 193 offences and between August 2018-19 there were 158.
Including all crime, the area had a total of 530 offences over the past 12 months.
Other offences
Assault: 36
Unlawful entry: 28
Property damage: 37
Unlawful use of motor vehicle: 19
Theft: 82
Traffic: 98
4. NOOSA HEADS – 117 drug offences
The beachside town has had an increase in drug offences over the past few years.
In 2017 Noosa Heads had 86 offences and 74 between August 2018-19.
Including all crime, the area had a total of 878 offences over the past 12 months.
Other offences
Assault: 67
Unlawful entry: 18
Property damage: 67
Thefts: 170
Traffic: 96
5. CALOUNDRA – 113 drug offences
Caloundra has hovered around the same amount of drug offences.
In 2017, the town had 107 cases and between August 2018-19 it had 113.
Including all crime, the area had a total of 724 offences over the past 12 months.
Other offences
Assault: 51
Unlawful entry: 51
Property damage: 63
Thefts: 190
Traffic: 44
6. NOOSAVILLE – 110 drug offences
This town has been on the rise, with drug offences slowly increasing.
In 2017, Noosaville had 74 drug offences while between August 2018-19 it had 84.
Including all crime, the area had a total of 789 offences over the past 12 months.
Other offences
Assault: 24
Unlawful entry: 41
Property damage: 40
Unlawful use of motor vehicle: 38
Thefts: 302
Traffic: 125
7. BEERWAH – 71 drug offences
Drug crime in Beerwah has fluctuated up and down over the past few years.
In 2017 Beerwah had 105 cases while between August 2018-19 it had 67.
Including all crime, the area had a total of 452 offences over the past 12 months.
Other offences
Assault -39
Unlawful entry – 31
Property damage – 36
Unlawful use of motor vehicle – 11
Theft – 92
Traffic offences – 87
8. COOLUM BEACH – 69 drug offences
The surfing hub enjoyed a steady decline in drug crime.
In 2017 there were 102 cases while between August 2018-19 it had 93.
Including all crime, the area had a total of 492 offences over the past 12 months.
Other offences
Assault: 37
Unlawful entry 30
Property damage: 61
Theft: 117
Traffic: 94
9. BUDERIM – 62 drug offences
Buderim has experienced one of the more dramatic declines in drug crime.
In 2017 Buderim had 173 cases while between August 2018-19 it had 99.
Including all crime, the area had a total of 534 offences over the past 12 months.
Other offences
Assault: 42
Unlawful entry: 48
Property damage: 55
Unlawful use of motor vehicle: 24
Thefts: 148
Traffic: 53
10. Landsborough 60
The southern Hinterland area has maintained a steady drug rate.
In 2017 it had 69 cases while between August 2018-19 it again had 69.
Including all crime, the area had a total of 280 offences over the past 12 months.
Other offences
Assault: 21
Unlawful entry: 17
Property damage: 21
Unlawful use of motor vehicle: 13
Theft: 46
Traffic offences: 45
Here’s how some other regions ranked for drugs crime:
11. Glasshouse Mountains 57
12. Sippy Downs 55
13. Little Mountain – 53
14. Meridan Plains 49
15. Mooloolaba 49
16. Golden Beach 47
17. Kings Beach 45
18. Moffat Beach 45
19. Coochin Creek 42
20. Birtinya 39
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