Echuca police Acting Inspector Damian Keegan.
Photo by
Ivy Jensen
Methamphetamine continues to cast a long shadow over the Campaspe region, with new national research showing overdose deaths, hospitalisations and consumption have reached record levels.
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The latest research from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre found 753 overdose deaths involving amphetamine-type stimulants, primarily methamphetamine, were recorded across Australia in 2024.
Almost 14,000 hospitalisations were linked to methamphetamine use in 2023-24, while wastewater monitoring detected record levels of consumption in 2024-25, particularly in regional areas.
Local figures during that period suggest Campaspe is not immune.
Crime Statistics Agency data show drug offending across the shire surged from 141 offences in 2024 to 226 in 2025, the highest level in several years. Drug possession offences jumped from 115 to 190, while police recorded 61 methylamphetamine possession offences and 10 trafficking offences.
Echuca police Acting Inspector Damian Keegan said drug offending in Campaspe was still largely driven by drug use and possession rather than trafficking or manufacture.
“While the figures fluctuate from year to year, recent statistics indicate a reduction from the higher levels seen in previous years,” Insp Keegan said.
That reduction was reflected in the latest figures to June 2026, with drug offences across Campaspe falling from 226 to 132, and Echuca dropping from 124 to 88.
However, Insp Keegan said the impact of illicit drugs extended well beyond the offence statistics.
“Regardless of the type of illicit drug involved, the impacts are often felt far beyond the individual user,” he said.
“Drug use can have significant physical and mental health consequences, but it can also contribute to criminal behaviour that creates victims within our community and places additional pressures on families, emergency services and support agencies.”
Methamphetamine use is widespread across the region.
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Media Whalestock
Insp Keegan said police continued to take a dual approach of enforcement and intervention.
“Police have a number of diversion and referral pathways available to assist people who are using illicit drugs and who are willing to engage with support services,” he said.
“Breaking the cycle of drug use and offending is often best achieved through a combination of enforcement, education and access to the right support at the right time.”
But he warned there would be no let-up on those supplying drugs in the community.
“Police will continue to actively target those involved in the manufacture, trafficking and supply of illicit drugs throughout the Campaspe Shire,” Insp Keegan said.
“Those who choose to profit from the harm caused by illicit drugs can expect to be the focus of police attention.”
Insp Keegan said community information was still one of the most valuable tools for police in disrupting the drug trade.
“I urge anyone with information about drug trafficking, manufacture or supply to contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers anonymously online or by calling 1800 333 000,” he said.
• For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
