There were 97 use/possess amphetamines offences-which includes the drug ice- according to the Bureau of Research and Crime Statistics latest report, putting Dubbo at 1.7 times the state average.

Wellington was only slightly above the average with 16 offences. However, when it came to dealing or trafficking amphetamines, ‘Little Antarctica’ was almost five times above the average when compared to the rest of the state.

Both the possession and the dealing offences increased in Dubbo and Wellington from the year before.

Trafficking in Wellington increased from a mere two offences in 2015 to 12, while in Dubbo the number of offences doubled.

Across NSW possession and/or use of amphetamines rose by 11.5 per cent across the two years. There were 9,951 recorded criminal incidents in the 12 months to September 2016.

There were 130 use and/or possess cannabis offences in Dubbo, slightly down on the 142 in 2015 and below the NSW rate.

However, cannabis possession rose in Wellington from 18 incidents in 2015 to 31 the proceeding year.

In total, there were 301 recorded drug offences in Dubbo during the 12 months, and 73 in Wellington. Dubbo remained steady from the 302 the previous year, however it was an increase of 28 offences in Wellington.

Of the recorded offences in Dubbo, 157 were adults. The overwhelming majority (133) were also males.

In July, raids by police as part of Strike Force Eurong lead to 11 people being arrested from Dubbo and Wellington.

More than 100 officers were involved in the raised which saw more than 35 grams of methylamphetamine (ice) with a street value of about $15,000 as well as quantities of cannabis and prescription medications being seized.

Laptop computers, mobile phones three motorbikes, other stolen items and about $15,000 worth of cash were also taken from various properties.

At the time Orana Local Area Command Acting Superintendent Scot Tanner said the police were committed to reducing the level of drug distribution across the Central West.

“Make no mistake about it, if you are dealing drugs you will be caught,” he said.

“We will use all the resources available to disrupt you, locate you and put you before court.”