For the second year running, offences involving methamphetamine have outnumbered those for cannabis in the Greater Geelong region, according to the latest official crime data. The figures paint a clear picture of a shifting drug landscape in the area, with the highly addictive stimulant cementing its position as a primary concern for law enforcement and community health services.
A Clear Trend in the Data
The Crime Statistics Agency data for the year ending December 2023 shows a persistent pattern. Methamphetamine-related offences recorded by Victoria Police in Greater Geelong reached 546. This continues to outstrip cannabis offences, which numbered 525 for the same period. This marks the second consecutive year that meth has held the top spot, after first overtaking cannabis in the 2022 data.
The trend is not isolated to Geelong. Across the entire state of Victoria, methamphetamine remains the most common drug involved in offences, with 18,647 recorded incidents. Cannabis followed at the state level with 14,888 offences. The data underscores a statewide challenge, with regional centres like Geelong reflecting the broader pattern.
Police Focus and Community Impact
Local law enforcement has acknowledged the data, linking the prevalence of meth offences to dedicated policing operations. A Victoria Police spokesperson stated that the numbers are "indicative of the focused work police do in detecting, disrupting and dismantling drug-related harm in our community." This suggests that the high offence count is partly a result of proactive policing strategies targeting the drug trade and its associated crimes.
Beyond the raw numbers, the type of offences presents a serious concern. Methamphetamine is notoriously linked to violent and erratic behaviour, property crime, and significant social harm. Its continued dominance in offence statistics points to ongoing challenges related to addiction, supply chains, and community safety in the Geelong area. The shift away from cannabis, while still illegal, to a more dangerous and socially destructive substance alarms health and welfare professionals.
Looking at the Broader Picture
While meth and cannabis lead the statistics, other substances also feature in the local crime data. Offences related to heroin, MDMA, and prescription drugs were also recorded, though in smaller numbers. The overall drug offence landscape in Greater Geelong remains complex, demanding a multi-faceted response from police, health services, and community organisations.
The consecutive years of data now establish a firm trend, not a one-year anomaly. This provides critical evidence for policymakers and service providers in the Barwon region. It highlights the need for sustained investment in rehabilitation services, harm reduction programs, and education campaigns specifically tailored to the dangers of methamphetamine use. As the community grapples with this issue, the crime statistics serve as a stark annual reminder of the work that remains to be done.
