Drug crime down across Bendigo as police crack down on drug dealers

Drug crime is down across Bendigo as police operations take dealers and their poison off the streets. See which suburbs had the most drug dealers.

Bendigo drug data story thumbnail.

Drug crime is down across Bendigo after police dismantled several drug trafficking rings.

Over the past 12 months, the Central Victoria Response Unit has conducted 10 major drug investigations targeting drug trafficking across Greater Bendigo, Detective Inspector Dan Davison told the Herald Sun.

“These operations focus on dismantling alleged drug trafficking networks and removing significant quantities of illicit drugs from the community,” he said.

Drug crime was down 17 per cent across Bendigo over the last 12 months, according to the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency.

Cannabis, methylamphetamine, GHB, cocaine and a range of prescription pills were among the narcotics seized.

It comes as five Bendigo suburbs were responsible for more than two thirds of all drug crime in the region, latest crime statistics have revealed.

Bendigo, Golden Square, Kangaroo Flat, Long Gully and North Bendigo were the most drug-riddled suburbs, recording 364 of the 563 drug crimes in the year to March 2025, according to data published by the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency.

These five suburbs saw 65 per cent of the regions dealers and traffickers arrests, and one in two growers and manufacturers preferred these drug hotspots.

However, drug crime overall reduced by 17 per cent from the 680 offences recorded in 2024.

Insp Davison said Bendigo police operations were targeted at specific neighbourhoods heavily impacted by drugs.

“Police regularly conduct search warrants, surveillance, and proactive bail enforcement on those we suspect are involved in drugs,” he said.

Bendigo police say they are cracking down on drug dealers.

“Our officers remain relentless in identifying those trafficking drugs, shutting down supply, and safeguarding the wellbeing of local residents.

“We make no apology for pursuing those who choose to profit off the harm caused by illicit drugs in our community.”

Strathfieldsaye and California Gully also proved to be popular for cultivating and manufacturing drugs.

Of all drug crime, 82 per cent was drug possession with users caught in Bendigo city most frequently.