A recent news report by Thomas Chamberlin in the Courier-Mail illustrates the worrying size of the ice problem in Australia.
After an 18-month long investigation, the police uncovered a massive operation in Queensland. The sheer number of people involved is surprising and unsettling.
Police have arrested a staggering 100 people who were all part of a sophisticated ice trafficking ring in south-west Queensland.
The perpetrators allegedly moved their merchandise through a heavy vehicle transport network.
As part of the 18-month investigation, officers raided 40 properties in Roma the morning of May 29, 2018. To add, the police have also arrested 100 people and charged them with 800 offences in relation to the trafficking and supply of ice.
Police charged one man with ice trafficking as well as 392 individual charges of supplying ice.
In St George, ice-related crime has swamped local police where they see children as young as 10 addicted to ice.
Earlier this year police seized ice, restricted weapons and arrested 39 people in drug raids after raids in St George, Roma, and Miles.
You can read the full article here.
The Ice Problem In Australia Is Real
There are too many people addicted to ice and impacted by the drug and it is very important that business owners, employers and human resources take this seriously.
Australia has one of the highest rates of methamphetamine in the English-speaking world.
The latest figures from the National Drug Survey suggest about 2 percent of Australians use methamphetamine. The users of crystal methamphetamine or ice have increased from 22 to 57% from 2010 to 2016.
Ice has a steady gain in popularity compared to other forms of drugs.
Are You Sure You Don’t Have Ice Using Employees At Work?
Given the size of the ice problem in Australia, you have every reason to be concerned.
Statistics show that most people hurt in drug-related accidents are non-drug users. Your company may have to shoulder Workman’s Compensation costs if this happens.
If an employee decides to file a lawsuit against your company for incurring injuries – and they have grounds due to negligence – your company will have to shoulder the legal costs.
An ice user is bad news and can ruin the reputation of your company.
Keep Your Workplace Drug-Safe With A Comprehensive Workplace Drug Policy
Don’t risk your business being caught out by an accident or serious misconduct caused by a staff member who is addicted to ice. Unfortunately no profession is safe from the scourge of drug use. Just think of recent high profile cases including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Part of good business practice is to protect the welfare and well-being of your staff.
If you want to attract and retain the best people, a drug safe environment is clearly critical.
With a clear and well thought out drug and alcohol policy as your foundation, you can create an effective drug safety protection framework for your organisation.