The latest figures released from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) revealing the drug data, show that while there was no increase with just a handful of incidents of possession of cocaine, heroin and ecstasy recorded, police are faced with the challenge of controlling the supply of cannabis and methylamphetamine (ice).

“We are still seeing a lot of cannabis and ice in particular has become the drug of choice for many people,”  Canobolas Local Area acting crime manager Detective Sergeant Andy McLean said.

“When it comes to ice people are either injecting or smoking it,” he said.

Detective Sergeant McLean said the prevalence of cannabis and ice in the community is being evidenced by the number of people coming before the courts after testing positive at roadside drug-driving tests. 

“What we see is a different type of person coming before the courts now after testing positive to roadside drug tests.

“These are people who would normally not come under police notice,” Detective Sergeant McLean said.

“It has shown it is being widely used in the community.

“Cannabis is a difficult one because people grow it in their backyards for their own use,” he said.

Detective Sergeant McLean said police information indicates ice is selling in Orange and the Central West for between $400 and $900 a gram, however most users purchase a “point” of a gram for $40.

In the period October 2014 to September 2015 Orange had 231 reported incidents of amphetamine drug use or possession compared to Dubbo with 172 and Bathurst with 89.

Other data recorded throughout the state included Bankstown (91 cases), Auburn, (123 cases), Liverpool (230 cases) and Blacktown (106 cases).

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au