The number of people addicted to Ice in the Moreton Bay region is no worse than anywhere else in the state but it is not just adults turning to the drug.
Moreton South Patrol Group police Inspector Craig White said Ice usage was a “serious concern for the entire society”.
“There are young people using (Ice), absolutely,” Insp White said.
He said police and the Crime Prevention Department were working hard to develop and put in place diversionary tactics for youths such as entertainment and sporting programs.
Police are also linking up with other support services and schools to divert at risk youths away from using Ice.
NEW DRUG ACTION TEAM TO BE BASED IN REDCLIFFE
It is not just youths using the drug who can be affected by it.
“Ice usage has a huge impact on the entire family unit,” Insp White said.
“If is a person in the family is using Ice then others in the family are also suffering, even if they are not using it.
“This can be through domestic violence, or homelessness, there are young people living on the streets to escape a family member using Ice.”
Queensland Police crime statistics, available online, show that in the past 12 months there were more than 5600 drug offences in the Moreton Bay region.
More than 700 offences were recorded in the Redcliffe area and more than 1000 at Caboolture.
“This is a huge social issue, which is not just isolated to Moreton Bay,” Insp White said. “But there are a number of programs being delivered.”
Helplines
■ DV Connect Womensline: 1800 811 811
■ DV Connect Mensline: 1800 600 636
■ Lifeline: 13 11 14
■ Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
■ In an emergency always phone triple-0
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