The Narrabri Liquor Accord, the organisation representing operators of licenced premises in Narrabri, has reaffirmed its strong stance against the use of illegal drugs and is
determined to keep drugs out of their premises as reports indicate serious community concern about a surge in drug usage.
Of particular concern to the Accord is the growing use of methamphetamine, ‘ice’, a trend which has been identified nationwide in metropolitan and country areas.
‘This is not a problem unique to the Narrabri community, but we want to play our part in ensuring that we do what we can to keep our community safe” a member of the Accord said.
Reports are emerging of a surge in the use and trafficking of illicit drugs in Narrabri.
A number of people in the community believe the town is falling victim to the national ‘ice’ (crystal Methamphetamine) epidemic, and have decided to speak out.
Growing concern is backed up by national figures, with a report from the Australian Crime Commission revealing the number of amphetamine related arrests across the country is at an all time high.
Narrabri RSL club manager Mr Paul Gordon fears Narrabri is losing its innocence.
“If you compare now to 10 or 12 years ago in town, the nightlife has changed completely,” he said.
“Many young people nowadays, will stay at home and load up on cheap alcohol and or drugs, then come out at 10:30, drink water and want to dance all night.”
“Part of the reason venues aren’t doing entertainment for young people anymore is because you can’t stop the drugs getting into your venue,” he explained.
“Venues are spending money paying for bands but there’s no benefit for them. We are legally responsible for the condition of patrons on our premises.”
The Narrabri Liquor Accord suspects the increase in drug use is related to the presence of bikie gangs, and are putting up signs on their
licenced premises to let any outlawed motorcycle gang members know they’re not welcome.
The Narrabri Liquor Accord, which represents licenced premises in Narrabri, is actively working with police, is throwing its support behind business owners, and encouraging all venues to refuse entry to outlaw bikie gang members or anyone suspected of using drugs.
Newly elected Liquor Accord chairman, Trent Bruinsma, hopes their efforts help act as a deterrent for anyone thinking of using drugs.
“It’s a real issue, and it’s bad for our town,” he said.
“There is no such thing as drugs being cool, they’re not and they kill, it’s as simple as that.”
The Accord believes the drug use is also linked to changes in the social fabric of Narrabri.
“There is associated wealth that goes along with the types of industries we have here, so naturally there is an attraction for drug traffickers,” he said.
“There’s a market with young people who’ve got plenty of money and time on their hands, obviously there’s a situation there that everyone seems to be talking about” Paul Gordon said.
One young man living in the community, who wanted to remain anonymous in this report, is particularly disturbed by the age at which children are starting to use drugs.
“Ice is pretty big around town at the moment, you’re seeing students in Year 8 and 9 with scabs on their arms and face where they’ve been scratching because ice users think they have insects under their skin,” he said.
“It’s that easy for the younger generation to get it.”
He believes young people are growing bored with the effects of conventional drugs like alcohol.
“Then they just want to feel like that all the time so they get hooked, I see a lot of it, there’s too much and it’s ruining lives.”
A young woman in the community, who also wanted to remain anonymous, says the problem starts with mental health.
“Some people might just want to try it because everyone else is doing it, but I think other users feel like they have no control over their life and it’s an escape for them,” she said.
“A lot of people don’t know how serious it can be, even people who just do marijuana don’t realise the damaging effects later in life.”
She wants to see seminars held in town to educate young people about the consequences of long term drug use.
“We should have people from the hospital, who’ve seen the consequences, do talks in the community so at least everyone is clear about what could happen,” she said.
“I know people who are worried about a friend, but they don’t have the resources to talk them out of it.”
Paul Gordon is calling on the
community to reject the strengthening drug culture.
“Narrabri has always been a really good, safe town in which to raise your kids. We don’t want to lose that.
“The more noise that’s made about this from a public point of view, the better chance Narrabri has of keeping the drug pushers out,” he said.
“If the bikies come they’re going to ruin a really good country town, there’s no doubt about it, and the next generation of kids coming through are going to be the targets of their illegal activities.”
Superintendent Gelina Talbot, from the Barwon Police Local Area Command, said the community’s reaction to the growing problem is warranted.
“I think the community is spot on, there are drugs being supplied in Narrabri, I can’t say it’s just ‘ice’ alone, but ‘ice’ is being supplied in that area,” she said.
“The community must come together and decide they don’t want it and work with the police to target those who are supplying in the area.”
Anyone with information or concerns can contact the Narrabri Police Station on 6792 7199.