7 Mar 2017, 1:05 p.m.

POLICE and the Aboriginal community will go on the front foot to tackle the illegal use of potent medications and the drug ice thats putting peoples lives in danger.

Use of methylamphetamine, or ice, and of fentanyl and other pharmaceutical drugs is on the rise, authorities report.

NSW Police havelaunched a statewide campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers the drugs pose.

Not Our Way has been developed by the NSW Police Drug and Alcohol Coordination team in conjunction with Aboriginal community liaison officers, key health industry stakeholders as well as Aboriginal elders and community members.

Two people who formerly used substances share their stories in videos that form part of the campaign.

Their real courage in speaking candidly about their recovery was applauded by NSW Police corporate sponsor on Aboriginal communities Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, who took part in the launch.

He emphasised the issue was serious, topical and really important.

Research shows that Aboriginal communities are at greater risk of developing harmful long-term drug use than the general population, and both ice and pharmaceuticals have shown the biggest spike more recently, he said.

The use and distribution of illegal drugs is not only against the law, but its incredibly harmful to your health and can lead to many serious consequences including the breakdown of families and local communities.The rise in recreational pharmaceutical usage also shows that drugs dont have to be illegal to be lethal

The campaign resources will be progressively rolled out across the state. Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said they wanted it to spread as widely as possible.

Importantly, this is an initiative for and by Aboriginal people, he said.

Its absolutely crucial that we work closely with one another to foster relationships and build stronger, safer communities that acknowledge key challenges while working collaboratively on solutions, he said.

Read more from the original source:

Allies in war on drugs - Narromine News