DRUG USE JUST AS MUCH TO BLAME AS ALCOHOL: MP

The use of illegal drugs on the Sunshine Coast is equally to blame
with alcohol as the cause of street violence, an MP said today.

"To date we have focussed largely on alcohol being the cause. This is
not right, as drugs play an equally devastating role in street
violence," Caloundra MP Mark McArdle said.

"When you read children as young as 12 & 14 being under the influence
of "alcohol or drugs fighting in the streets" in the early hours of
the morning you must ask who is supplying them with the drugs and alcohol.

"In addition to blitzing hot spot areas we need to focus on how
alcohol is being supplied to under aged drinkers and how illegal
drugs appear to be so easily available on our streets

"The police must be praised for the work they've done over the
weekend but this is only the beginning.

"We need to understand how deep this problem goes and how
sophisticated the groups are that supply illegal drugs to our youth.

"In 2004 the Crime and Misconduct Commission wrote the greatest
threat to Queensland by organised crime was the supply of
amphetamines, ecstasy and heroine.

"These drugs are readily available throughout the Sunshine Coast and
the police need powers to deal with them.

"The community must work with the police ensuring they have the
information needed to protect our young people.

"What we need is a partnership across the Sunshine Coast with police
and other agencies and put in place strategies to deal with this
problem," Mr McArdle said.