Over the 24 months to December 2014, the number of arrests for amphetamine possession increased by 36.3 per cent across NSW.

The the number of arrests for amphetamine dealing rose by 27.6 per cent.

That, sadly, is not alarming when compared to the Coffs Harbour local government area.

Over the 24 months to December 2014, the number of arrests for amphetamine possession increased by 116 per cent.*

There were 106 cases of amphetamine possession in the Coffs Harbour LGA in 2014, more than double the 49 arrests in 2013 and more than 10 times the nine arrests in 2010.

During 2014, 10 people were arrested for dealing/trafficking amphetamines within the Coffs Harbour LGA, while three were arrested and charged with drug manufacture.

These numbers are similar to those of 2013, when nine people were arrested for dealing/trafficking amphetamines and four were arrested and charged with drug manufacture.

* These statistics have been sourced from BOCSAR. For the purposes of recording, Methylamphetamine is included within the drug category of amphetamine.

“Ice is a highly addictive and extremely dangerous drug that is having devastating impact on individuals, families and communities right across NSW.

“Ice doesn’t discriminate – it doesn’t matter where you are from or what your social circumstance is, if you start taking this drug your life is going to be seriously compromised.

“Just as Ice destroys lives in our cities and suburbs, it destroys lives in country communities too.

“Far too many families in Coffs Harbour and surrounds are having to deal with the unrelenting havoc this horrible drug wreaks.

“Officers across the entirety of the NSW Police Force are working together to combat the Ice scourge. Regional and rural commands are working closely with colleagues in the Drug Squad, as well as local community groups, to tackle the use and supply of Ice in country towns.

“Quite simply, we are committed to doing everything we can to stop this poison from destroying more lives, but we cannot do this alone.

“Dozens of people in Coffs Harbour and surrounds are doing their bit to help police get Ice and other drugs out of our community, and we’re encouraging more people to join the fight.

“Please do not underestimate the immensely positive impact one anonymous call to Crime Stoppers can make.

“If you have any information about Ice supply in Coffs Harbour or surrounding areas, please contact Crime Stoppers.”

NSW Police and Crime Stoppers have launched a new advertising campaign aimed at mobilising the community in the fight against Ice (crystal methylamphetamine).