THE most common drug seizure in the Hawkesbury from 2013 to 2015 was cannabis, followed by methamphetamine, according to police.
Hawkesbury crime manager Detective Inspector Paul McHugh said police don’t have records on how many call outs they get in regards to ice but have data on incidents of general drug possession and supply.
In 2013, there were 106 incidents of drug possession, with the number rising to 156 in 2014.
From January to the end of August this year, there were 125 recorded incidents.
Supply incidents were 29 in 2013 and 34 in 2014.
This year, from January to August, there were 28 recorded incidents of supply in the Hawkesbury.
Det. Insp. McHugh said these statistics didn’t include operations by State Crime Command or other commands that have completed drug-related search warrants in the region.
He said any form of drug use and abuse can have a devastating impact on not only the users, but the family and friends of users.
‘‘The impact could be seen on a person’s health and well being, through financial issues, through loss of work or resorting to crime to satisfy their addiction,’’ Det. Insp. McHugh said.
‘‘There is also the impact on emergency services which often presents risks to workers dealing with people affected by drugs, particularly those with prolonged use and abuse.’’
He said police received training to protect themselves and members of the public if a confrontation occurred.
‘‘They receive training on first aid and how to respond to situations where someone may need medical assistance. This would not change as a result of a person being on ice as opposed to some other medical issue.
‘‘Often, police respond to incidents and have no idea that a person may be on ice. They just deal with what is in front of them and resolve the situation with everyone’s safety in mind.”
In August, the state government announced that people caught manufacturing or supplying commercial quantities of ice would face the prospect of life behind bars. Maximum penalty will be raised from 20 years to life in jail with fines up to half a million dollars.
Hawkesbury Police have been involved in a number of operations targeting supply in our district.
Strike Force Greek 2011:
- The operation targeted drug supply. Its main target was charged with 28 drug-supply offences. A number of other people were charged with drug-related offences as part of the operation, which dismantled a supply network running out of North Richmond.
Strike Force Yerrowah 2012/2013:
- The operation targeted drug supply, mainly cannabis, where three main offenders were charged with a total of 35 supply charges.
- The arrests shut down a supply network in Richmond.
Strike Force Gulpa 2014:
- The operation targeted drug supply, mainly ice, with two main offenders charged with a total of 22 supply and possess drug offences and firearm offences.
- The arrests shut down a drug supply network in South Windsor.
Strike Force Feras 2014:
- The operation targeted drug supply, mainly ice, where two main offenders were charged with a total of 15 drug supply offences. The arrests shut down a supply network in South Windsor.
Strike Force Jonathon 2014/2015:
- The operation targeted firearms manufacture and supply as well as drug supply, mainly ice.
- Two main offenders were charged with 11 drug supply and firearm offences.
- The arrests shut down a firearm manufacture and supply and drug supply network in Quakers Hill, which was also servicing Hawkesbury residents.
How to identify a drug house:
Police say that almost once a year, a drug lab is uncovered in the Hawkesbury.
Residents need to be aware, vigilant and educated when it comes to spotting a drug lab or house.
Biohazard trauma and crime scene cleaning manager Josh Marsden said if people don’t recognise a strong smell, then it’s probably a toxic chemical. He said there were many warning signs that people could look out for.
‘‘Persistent chemical smells, runoffs in drains nearby and pool-cleaning equipment around the place even if there is no pool,’’ Mr Marsden said.
‘‘In most cases, there’s many chemical containers in the bin and people visiting at all hours of the day, some even carrying lab equipment into the house. One of the biggest signs of a drug lab is when residents neglect their garden and don’t collect their mail.’’
Det. Insp. Paul McHugh said the community needed to work together to report suspicious behaviour to police.
