NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data shows that from January to December 2013 there were 48 incidents of amphetamine use or possession in the Cessnock LGA; and in the following calendar year this rose to 116 incidents.

On a rate of incidents per 100,000 people, Cessnock ranked second in the Hunter – only below Muswellbrook – and sixth in NSW for possession or use of amphetamine in 2014.

Central Hunter crime manager, Detective Inspector John Zdrilic said that while statistics do fluctuate according to demand and availability, all illicit drugs including ice are a problem.

“We know it’s a scourge in our society,” he said.

“It’s incumbent on us to protect people.

“Is it a problem? Yes.

“Not just ice but all illicit drugs are a problem, and while ever it is a problem I’ll look for a solution.”

Detective Inspector Zdrilic said the statistics could mean one of two different things – an increase in use and availability or that the police are being proactive.

Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon echoed Detective Inspector Zdrilic’s sentiments, saying that while ice is an issue, so are other drugs.

“The ice problem in the Hunter and across the country is a very serious one,” he said. 

“But it’s not just ice; the police still say that alcohol and other drugs cause them just as many problems.”

Project Cessnock campaign organiser Adrian Buckley has put a call out for an ice summit in Cessnock, to combine the police, the community and elected officials to try and do something about the problem.

An ice taskforce has been implemented by the Australian Government to create a national strategy to overcome the problem.

Seven communities around Australia were consulted about their problems with the drug, and common themes were found in the different areas.

Mr. Buckley said he has contacted Federal MP Joel Fitzgibbon and State MP Clayton Barr about the problem in Cessnock and holding a summit, to no avail.

“It’s incredible Joel and Clayton have not addressed it,” he said.

“We feel to a certain degree it’s been left to Project Cessnock to communicate this message.”

Mr. Buckley said he was not surprised to see the statistics as he believes it is visible in our town.

“It’s a massive problem,” he said.

“It backs up what people are seeing.

“There is this underlying darkness in Cessnock; it should not be like that.

“Their children are suffering; the community is suffering.”

Mr. Buckley raised concern over the severity of ice compared to other drugs, particularly due to its link to violence.

“It’s the worst drug that’s come into our town,” he said.

“We need to stop it before it spreads.”

Mr. Fitzgibbon said while he has no quarrel with public meetings, he feels the taskforce is using funds and resources that could be better spent.

“The Government has stripped funds from existing drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services,” he said.

“I’m not opposed to public meetings but both the State and Federal Governments are aware of the problem and what needs to be done, that is more resources in both prevention and treatment, and more resources for our police and other relevant agencies.”

Mr. Barr said the statistics are a concern, but believes “demonising” the behaviour is the wrong way to approach it and that support and prevention is needed rather than punishment.

Mr. Barr said his fear with a community summit is that “people would be turning up and essentially wanting these people locked up”.

He also believes there are underlying issues to these statistics relating to mental health.

“It is not an amphetamine crisis, it’s a mental health crisis,” he said.

Detective Inspector Zdrilic said that unlike other illicit drugs such as cocaine, ice is not imported and is being made here in our communities.

“There’s a culture of cooking it here,” he said.

This has created a safety issue, Detective Inspector Zdrilic said, as there is limited access to ingredients, meaning people are using other ‘like’ ingredients without knowing the ramifications and in some cases the labs have blown up.

To tackle these problems, Detective Inspector Zdrilic said it is important for the police and the community to work together to reduce the availability of the drug.

“The police and the community must work together to reduce violence, crime and fear,” he said.

“Nobody knows your area better than you.”

Detective Inspector Zdrilic said the tell-tale signs to look out for are large containers, blackened windows, weird smells and frequency of people coming in and out of the residence.

And while he said police won’t act on just that, they will use that information to “look, access, investigate and act”.

Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.