INDEPENDENT candidate for MacKillop Jon Ey will push for a dedicated drug force unit to be permanently located in the region to tackle ice use and supply if elected in March.
The Coonawarra political hopeful said the regional-based squad would have the goal of reducing drug use and dismantling drug organisations.
Mr Ey said additional resources beyond SA Police were imperative in battling the illegal manufacturing, trafficking and selling of drugs in the South East.
“A lot of people are talking about and are very worried about ice use,” he said.
“I think drug use is getting worse and is not going to get better any time soon.
“We need more resources and more help to fight the drug problem because it is a serious issue and is tearing apart small communities.
“I do not think it should be the responsibility of a general police officer, it needs to be a specialist team.”
In addition to boosting crime resources, Mr Ey said a holistic approach was being necessary in order to address the region’s escalating methamphetamine issue.
“We need to see more rehab facilities in South East so people do not have to travel to Adelaide or interstate to seek help,” he said.
Mr Ey earmarked age-appropriate drug education aimed at encouraging a dialogue around drugs and the consequences of drugs as another priority.
“I think educating school kids is probably more effective than having policemen shakedown students,” he said.
“Introducing a strong, real drug education program in the curriculum is something I’d like to see.”
