Research from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows while offences relating to cannabis use have remained fairly constant over the past five years, the use of amphetamines has been on the rise.

In the 12 months to September, 2014, there were eight offences recorded for cannabis use or possession and only one for amphetamines.

In the same period up until September, 2018, there were 10 offences recorded for cannabis and 12 for the possession and use of amphetamines.

In the periods between 2014 and 2018 there was one offence for amphetamines recorded in 2014-15, seven in 2015-16 and five in 2016-17, a result that mirrors other statistics from around the central west.

Amphetamine abuse was more prevalent in Dubbo.

Dubbo registered 91 offences in 2017-18 – its highest in five years. It registered 44 cases in 2013-14, 66 in 2014-15, 82 in 2015-16 and 55 in 2016-17.

Orange is showing a downward trend. The number of cases in Orange were 84 in 2013-14, 73 in 2014-15, 88 in 2015-16, 47 in 2016-17 and 55 in 2017-18.

Amphetamine cases, however, are rising in Bathurst with 18 cases in 2013-14, 31 in 2014-15, 32 in 2015-16, 36 in 2016-17 and 30 in 2017-18.

Chifley Police District Superintendent Paul McDonald said the the district was fortunate not to have a major drug problem, explaining residents in the region weren’t prone to drug use and supply.

“From my experience, we don’t tend to have a massive drug problem here,” he said.

“I think our demographics are quite the opposite to that.”