A new divisional response unit began operating out of the Portland station last week and will be tasked with addressing spikes in crime across the area, including drug-related offences.

Portland station commanding officer Senior Sergeant Paul Phelan said the unit is headed by a sergeant who works with two other members. 

“We’ve been able to create this thanks to some extra resources,” he said. 

“These members are completely removed from the general duties officers and will focus on addressing spikes and trends.

“While they will focus on all types of crime, there will be a particular focus on illicit drugs.”

Senior sergeant Phelan said unit officers would review all information and intelligence received and would be expected to carry out warrants. 

“That may be in relation to anything. From alcohol-fuelled violence through to ice and marijuana,” he said. 

“They will work across the entire police service area, which takes in the Glenelg and Southern Grampians shires.

“It’s a concentrated effort to focus on areas where we are seeing a spike.” 

Senior Sergeant Phelan said there was community concern surrounding use and supply of crystal methamphetamine, more commonly known as ice, in the Portland area but said it was no worse than any other country area. 

“There was a jump in the percentage of drug crimes for the area in the latest police statistics. But they relate directly to warrants executed and arrests made,” he said. “Those figures reflect a proactive police response to drug-related crimes. Up to May this year, we executed 11 search warrants of premises. That’s double the amount from the same time last year.” 

He said there was no intelligence to suggest ice was being manufactured in Portland, rather it was being brought in from other areas. 

“There is colloquial evidence to suggest it’s coming across the border from South Australia and from larger areas like Warrnambool, Ballarat and Geelong,” he said. 

“Nationally, information suggests most ice is being imported from south-east Asia, but there is absolutely no evidence to suggest it is being imported through the Port of Portland.

“A forum in Portland last week heard that only about two per cent of the population nationally uses ice, so it’s a very small number. 

“The main driver of crime and family violence remains alcohol and other drugs. 

“If we target areas where there is a spike early, and act on intelligence, you see lowering of other crimes.”