Police and the Aboriginal community will go on the front foot to tackle the illegal use of potent medications and the drug ice that’s putting people’s lives in danger.
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Use of methylamphetamine, or ice, and of fentanyl and other pharmaceutical drugs is on the rise, authorities report.
On Friday NSW Police launched a statewide campaign at Dubbo aimed at raising awareness about the dangers the drugs pose.
Not Our Way has been developed by the NSW Police Drug and Alcohol Coordination team in conjunction with Aboriginal community liaison officers, key health industry stakeholders as well as Aboriginal elders and community members.
Two people who formerly used substances share their stories in videos that form part of the campaign.
Their “real courage” in speaking candidly about their recovery was applauded by NSW Police corporate sponsor on Aboriginal communities Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, who took part in the launch.
He emphasised the issue was serious, “topical and really important”.
“Research shows that Aboriginal communities are at greater risk of developing harmful long-term drug use than the general population, and both ice and pharmaceuticals have shown the biggest spike more recently,” he said.
“The use and distribution of illegal drugs is not only against the law but it’s incredibly harmful to your health and can lead to many serious consequences including the breakdown of families and local communities.
“The rise in recreational pharmaceutical usage also shows that drugs don’t have to be illegal to be lethal...
“Both trends are of great concern so we’ve decided to get on the front foot and work with the Aboriginal community to address these specific challenges together, before people are faced with possible jail time and serious health effects.”
The campaign resources will be progressively rolled out across the state.
Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said they wanted it to spread as widely as possible.
“Importantly, this is an initiative for and by Aboriginal people – it’s absolutely crucial that we work closely with one another to foster relationships and build stronger, safer communities that acknowledge key challenges while working collaboratively on solutions,” he said.
If you or someone you know is affected by drug use or addiction, please contact support services such as the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on (02) 9361 8000.
Members of the community can contact ADIS at any time for confidential information, advice and referral services.
