How drug dealers are targeting teens at schoolies over socials, as hot party kicks off on peninsula
Teens celebrating the end of school life on the Mornington Peninsula are being offered hard drugs like ketamine and cocaine by shady dealers, after taking to social media to share their party spots.
Victoria
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Drug dealers are using social media to prey on Victorian teens looking for underground schoolies parties, with experts warning of a “hugely problematic” rise in the online drug trade during the end of school celebrations.
The Saturday Herald Sun can reveal year 12 students who have already finished exams and started celebrations early are being offered fast home delivery of illicit drugs — including ketamine and cocaine by local dealers across the Mornington Peninsula.
Teens are also sharing links to Snapchat accounts on various Facebook groups that detail the locations of “boozy” and drug-filled parties at the popular beach towns.
Official schoolies events in Victoria will start today, following the conclusion of exams, with schools urging students to be vigilant as they head into their end of year festivities.
In a bid to evade police, teens are sharing the location of house parties to group chats just minutes before the events commence.
“Hosting huge party tonight message (username) for addy,” one year 12 student wrote on Facebook.
“Dromana house party. Will be boozy, off the charts. DM (Snapchat username) for address,” another pupil wrote.
“Party in Tootgarook tn, add (username) on Snap for details,” another said.
In social media schoolies’ group chats, drug dealers are also preying on students by promoting their Telegram usernames.
Some teens have been seen to actively share the usernames of known local drug dealers on various social media platforms.
Posing undercover as an underage student, the Herald Sun contacted several drug dealers on Telegram who offered “asap” delivery of dangerous drugs including ketamine to those celebrating Schoolies across the Mornington Peninsula.
“Just let me know your delivery address … $200 a gram,” one drug dealer said.
Another dealer wrote: “I have edibles, coke, ket, whatever you need.”
Alcohol and Drug Foundation policy and engagement manager Robert Taylor warned students to be vigilant due to “concerning” substances circulating within the drug supply.
“The drug supply is really uncertain at the moment. There has been the detection of Nitazenes, which can put people at significant risk of harm,” Mr Taylor said.
Nitazene can cause shallow breathing, loss of consciousness and even death.
Cyber safety expert Susan McLean said online drug dealers preying on teens was “hugely problematic”.
“It is so fraught with danger and the drug dealers have worked out that this is a money tree to prey on teens during Schoolies,” Ms McLean said.
“Take the schoolies equation out of it where lots of poor choices get made, people are dying from buying drugs online,” she said.
A Victoria Police spokesman said police had not received reports of social media accounts specifically set up to push drugs to school leavers.
“We encourage anyone who is aware of such activity to make a report to police. Victoria Police has resources dedicated to keeping school leavers safe,” the spokesman said.
“As always, police respond to parties if there are problems, however we haven’t had any major issues so far.
“Police will continue to proactively patrol Schoolies locations including Rye and Lorne to ensure those celebrating the new year do it safely and there are no negative impacts on the broader community.”
Schoolies celebrations were marred by tragedy last year after the son of South Australia’s Police Commissioner died in a hit-run crash at Goolwa Beach during Schoolies celebrations.
In a notice to parents last week, Lakes Entrance Secondary College urged parents to speak to teens about “staying safe” and being “respectful” of the communities where they celebrate.
“We encourage you to have a chat with your child about the importance of staying safe and making responsible decisions during schoolies,” the school said.
SWELTERING START TO SCHOOLIES
Hundreds of teenagers are expected to descend on Lorne, Rye and Philip Island for what is forecast to be a sweltering start to schoolies week.
With the mercury set to tip 33c in Rye on Saturday, Jed from Cornish College near Frankston said he couldn’t wait to spend a week having fun with his mates.
“I am well excited,” Jed said.
“I’ve been waiting to get out here for a long time, and now the fact that I’m finally finished; I had some late exams.
“I had French on like the last day, so to be finally able to get out in the sun is so nice.”
Jed was with a close group of mates from their small school.
The friends said they had been lucky to avoid being caught up in the VCE exam leaking scandal, but feared the repercussions it may have on their scores.
After schoolies week finished, Jed said he planned to take a few more trips with friends and family before hopefully going on to study a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University.
Although temperatures were expected to be mild for most of next week, the heat forecast for Saturday prompted calls from the Red Frogs for teenagers to stay sun smart while partying.
“Make sure you’re hydrating,” Abi from the Rye Location Leadership team said.
“Make sure to drink a lot of water, carry your water bottle, drink electrolytes and eat hydrating dense food like watermelon.
“Look after your mates.”
An official “Schoolies Hub” will offer DJ’s and music every night from Saturday November 23 until Thursday November 28.
Bar staff at the Rye Hotel said they didn’t normally have any issues with the school leavers who flock to the town each year for what continues to be a rite of passage for many young Australians.
After a quieter than usual 2023, pub workers were hoping for a rebound this year but feared the ever-ballooning cost of alcohol would stop young people coming in for pints.
Some groups of friends arrived a day before official events kicked off, soaking up a gorgeous day in the sun next to Rye pier on Friday.
One bunch of mates from Queensland were taking their love of Schoolies to the next level, arriving in Victoria having already done a week of partying in their home state.
“We just want to make the most of it,” Queenslander Jeremy said.
“We’re just enjoying the beaches (and) the restaurants here.”
Jeremy wouldn’t say if he and his mates were planning going to the official zone or some underground parties which were rumoured to be taking place around town.
“We haven’t decided just yet, (we’ll be) heading down to a few of the parties,” he said.
Victoria Police said they would have a “highly visible” presence in popular party locations, including the Mounted Branch and Dog Squad.
Officers said they would particularly be on the lookout for underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.
Red Frogs said they would also be on hand to help everyone enjoy themselves safely.
“We have a free mini bus service each night to transport everyone home safely all the way from Rosebud to Sorrento,” Abi said.
“It’s important to have a plan throughout the night and make sure your friends are looking out for you and know where you are.”
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