1300 DRUGSAFE 
A report by the Australian Institute of Criminology has revealed that the use of illegals drugs – in particular, Ice – is costing the nation an estimated $4.4 billion a year in healthcare, crime and economic losses. One example is that ambulance attendance for incidents related to Ice use increased by 88 percent in Melbourne and by almost 200 percent in regional Victoria. The use of crystal methamphetamine increased by 23 percent between 2007 and 2013.
Australian cocaine is the most expensive in the world according to the 2017 Global Drug Survey. Australians are also the biggest cannabis and boing users. The survey showed almost half of people interviewed had used cannabis, whilst 93 percent had consumed alcohol.
Twenty four people who used Australia Post to send thousands of kilograms of cannabis have been arrested in Queensland, NSW and South Australia.
QLD police say they have dismantled a “sophisticated and well organised” drug trafficking syndicate following the arrests of 27 people and laying of 124 charges. The police seized cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and cash.
A 19 year old from Byron Bay is awaiting his fate after being arrested for supplying a “substantial” amount of drugs. The teenager started using cannabis and alcohol at the age of 13 before trying ecstasy at 17 and delving into cocaine at 18.
Researchers in Canada say that recreational use of cocaine may lead to addiction. The drug causes the release of dopamine – the chemical that causes people to seek pleasurable activities. This chemical makes its way to the dorsal striatum, a structure deep inside the brain thought to be particularly important for when people start to lose control of their reward-seeking behaviours.
Australian Border Force officers have made arrests following the discovery of ephedrine concealed in belts, computer desks, dartboards and water purifiers.
A man who turned to selling heroin and Ice in the hope of raising funds to pay for a life saving organ transplant operation has been sentenced to a year in jail.
The leaders of a Sydney drug ring have pleaded guilty after being charged with supplying cocaine to thousands of people in the eastern suburbs and city. The brash dealers had been showing off about being ‘untouchable’ without knowing that they were selling to undercover operatives.
Police have arrested a man who hid his methamphetamines in his underpants. They stopped a vehicle and strip searched the 35 year old driver and the discovery was made.
Five people have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking in Brisbane, and drugs and cash worth more than $500,000 has been seized.
