THE Border is “awash with meth”, according to an Albury-Wodonga drug expert.
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Pharmacotherapy nurse Martin Eames, of Gateway Health, said use of the drug — the most common form known as ice — was becoming more prevalent.
Mr Eames helps treat drug addictions and says he is seeing more meth users while discussions with users indicated the drug was becoming easier to get.
Mr Eames’ comments on the rise of meth were backed by police as well as a prominent Albury club and pub owner.
The drug laws debate was reignited last week when a group of prominent Australians, including Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr, declared Australia’s “war on drugs” a failure and suggested the legalisation of some drugs should be considered.
“Cannabis, party drugs? I can see the argument for legalising those drugs but I couldn’t say where I stand on that issue,” Mr Eames said.
“What I do know is that Albury-Wodonga is awash with meth at the moment, and in my opinion legalising meth is not an option.”
Police agree methamphetamine is one of the Border’s biggest drug problems.
“I don’t think we have the heroin problem that the cities do,” Detective Sen-Sgt Barry McIntosh, of Wangaratta police, said.
“But we have similar issues when it comes to ice, methamphetamine and cannabis.”
But Albury police said legal drugs were still the biggest drain on resources.
“There is no doubt alcohol is still our biggest issue in terms of taking up police time,” Insp David Cottee, of Albury police, said.
“That toll certainly hasn’t decreased in the past five years.”
All parties agree the Border’s silent killer and drain on hospitals is the misuse of prescription drugs, such as OxyContin, the brand name for oxycodone hydrochloride.
Statistics for illegal drug use in the region are kept by the Murrumbidgee Local Health Network.
But it declined to answer any of
Albury club and hotel owner Craig Shearer said methamphetamine was the Border’s biggest problem drug.
“Sure, there’s a bit of ecstasy but methamphetamines are the real issue,” he said.
“That’s a problem for pubs and clubs because methamphetamines allow people to consume more alcohol and appear okay.
“You can’t notice that person is under the influence until it’s too late and then you have a real problem on your hands.
“If you’re asking if Albury is winning the war on drugs, the answer is no.
“Drugs in Albury are highly prevalent and it’s so hard to stop.”