Drug offences in Frankston rocketed by more than 50 per cent in last five years

DRUG offences in Frankston have rocketed by more than 50 per cent in the last five years, according to new statistics with two prominent locals saying the suburb’s ice problem is “out of control”.

Drug offences in Frankston have rocketed by more than 50 per cent in the last five years, according to new statistics.

DRUG offences in Frankston have rocketed by more than 50 per cent in the last five years, according to new statistics.

Crime Statistics Agency data shows there were 510 drug offences recorded in the area in 2012 but by 2016 it had jumped up to 1,114.

Former Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam and Reverend Angel Rolan, whose charity works with drug addicts, have said the suburb’s ice problem is “out of control”.

Mr Bolam said policing shortages in Frankston and large number of methadone facilities in the suburb made the problem worse.

Rev Rolan said: “The state and federal governments have to get real about tackling the drug scourge in Frankston.

More on the ground rehabilitative initiatives and less over the counter services are needed.”

Tackling Frankston’s drug problem is a key issue for candidates battling to be elected in the seat of Dunkley in next month’s federal election.

Peta Murphy, the Labor candidate for Dunkley, said: “There is already a high level project working on issues surrounding pharmacotherapy in Frankston well under way.

“It involves the local council, state government, Peninsula Health, local medical professionals, Monash and Melbourne University.

“I’m serious about reducing dangerous drug use and associated social issues across the community.”

Chris Crewther, the Liberal candidate, said: “Ice is ruining lives, destroying communities and does not discriminate.

“I have already released an Ice Action Plan which sets out what action I will take … including setting up a local Frankston & Peninsula Community Ice Action Taskforce which will look at addressing and tackling local issues like the concentration of pharmacotherapy outlets around Frankston Station from a local-led perspective.”