ABC News – Police go sky-high to tackle ice in outback Queensland

1 August 2016 – Author: Zara Margolis – Source: ABC News

Police in North West Queensland have flown across the state to hold a series of forums in a desperate bid to educate local communities about the impacts of the drug ice.

Recent figures for the Mount Isa Police District show ice or crystal methamphetamines accounted for 18 percent of local drug seizures between January 1 and April 14, 2016.

Detective Inspector Chris Hodgman says the forums in Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Normanton, Doomadgee and Mornington Island were an opportunity to speak with locals about what is really happening.

“[The forums] came about through some consultation from the community who are wanting to know some more information and dispel some of the myths around this evil drug,” he said.

Inspector Hodgman said the problem with ice isn’t as bad as the public thinks.

“I guess there is this perception out there that there is widespread use of this drug in the Gulf communities, [but] that’s not the case.

“We’re not seeing that through our seizures or information that’s coming in.

“We do not want ice taking a hold in this district and we will do everything within our power to stop that from happening.”

Residents disagree

But local community members in Normanton in the state’s Gulf Country are concerned the police do not have the full story.

Local resident Wade Richardson says ice use is much more prevalent than is being reported by police.

“The community knowledge is that there is a problem and that there is a high amount of usage in town,” he said.

The local council last year established a steering committee to address what then-Mayor Fred Pascoe described a “major scourge” on the remote community.

The Carpentaria Shire Council also developed a detailed information package which was delivered to local households.

Mr Richardson says the local campaign did have some impact when it was launched.

“It may not be as public as it was back then,” he said.

“At the start I think everyone panicked a bit and there was a bit done, but it’s the same now. It’s just not in the public eye as much.

Joel Ahkit recently moved to Normanton and says he quickly learned about the community’s battle with the drug.

“Some of the stories I hear from the locals or the people that have been in the community a while is that it is something that’s taken over,” he said.

“It’s out there.”

But Mr Ahkit says he’s hopeful that community forums, like the ones being held by the police, are a step in the right direction.

“We tend to blame the police or say the police aren’t doing enough but I think we as a community need to come together.

“It can’t be driven from outside. It can’t be driven from anywhere else.”