FANTASY ISLAND

A BAD batch of liquid fantasy is thought to be responsible for a number of drug overdoses on the Gold Coast.

Seven people overdosed in the past 48 hours alone.

At 2.30am yesterday a man and woman were found unconscious at a unit in Surfers Paradise. Paramedics returned six hours later and took two other men to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.

Last week, Tara Sharpley died in Coombabah. Her death is being investigated as a suspected overdose.

THE LNP has flagged forming a police drug squad on the Gold Coast after a spate of deadly overdoses in the city.

While stopping short of making it a solid election promise, LNP leader Deb Frecklington said she would be doing it immediately if she was the Premier following fantasy drug overdoses and other drug deaths in the past week.

“I’d immediately order more resources for the police to base a drug squad on the Coast permanently,” she said.

“It is clear there is a drug crisis on the Coast and people are dying. Community safety is my first priority.”

“One life lost, is one too many.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan said he would leave the allocation of police services to the Commissioner.

“In terms of the day-to-day operations targeting drug-related and other crime on the Gold Coast, I’m advised that the Queensland Police Service has currently allocated over 100 detectives,” he said.

“In addition, the Major and Organised Crime Squad has 20 dedicated officers based on the Gold Coast.”

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the Government was funding drug and alcohol services across the state to help addicts recover.

WE ARE ALSO INVESTING $43 MILLION OVER FIVE YEARS FOR NONGOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICES HEALTH MINISTER STEVEN MILES

“The Palaszczuk Government acknowledges the devastating effect that illicit drugs can have on Queenslanders, their families and communities,” he said.

“That’s why we’re investing so much in counselling, treatment and residential rehabilitation programs and facilities across the state.

“We are also investing $43 million over five years for nongovernment agencies to provide additional drug and alcohol services.

“Just last month we launched our new Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) website.”

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