Drug raids shock university students
Sun 16 November 2008
Ali Ragsdale, Journalism
Drug dogs searched various apartments at a university accommodation complex for marijuana, igniting concern that students are increasingly becoming dependant on illicit drugs and alcohol.
Students were shocked as search warrants were executed on October 9, 2008 at several Unicentral apartments. 
Student Jenna Kellstrom said she was distressed when three police officers with drug dogs raided her complex in the middle of the afternoon.
“I didn’t realise that the problem was getting so bad at UniCentral,” Ms Kellstrom said.
The search warrant permitted police officers to seize any marijuana in leaf form, clip sealed plastic bags that may contain the illicit drug and any smoking utensils.
After suspected students were read their legal rights, each was given a chance to declare possession of any related item or unlawful substance.
If possession was not declared, drug dogs were brought into the complex to hunt for evidence in the common area, outside surroundings, and in each room and bathroom.
Students caught with a small bag of marijuana, legally referred to as minor possession, were ordered to attend a drug rehabilitation class in Maroochydore among other punishments.
UniCentral security officer and night manager Michael Kerr said that, while he has recognised the scent of marijuana when on duty, he has never caught anyone in possession of the drug.
Instead, most of the harmful incidents involving university students occur in direct combination with alcohol abuse.
While binge drinking previously meant continuously consuming alcohol over many days, it now refers to an increased intake of alcohol over a short period of time.
Anything over five drinks in a row for men or more than four drinks for women is now considered excessive drinking, and can be indicative of alcohol abuse.
“If you put alcohol, testosterone, and large groups of people together there is always going to be an incident,” Mr Kerr said.
“The idea is to see it happen and stop the students from quickly consuming large quantities of alcohol before the situation gets out of hand.”
Maroochydore Police Station Sergeant Cerise Groube said that when people are visibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol on nights out on the town law enforcement officials have limited options.
She said that police officers can arrest the individual or group of people and take them to the watch house, take them home, or take them to a place of safety.
However, police officers mainly have to react to the problem and why it is occurring at the time.
Nambour Police Officer Naomi Vonlen also said that dealing with young adults who are drunk or on drugs puts law enforcement officials in a difficult position.
She said that police officers have a duty to handle the situation at hand, rather than solving the more complex issue or issues that the person may be battling.
Nambour Medical Centre registered nurse Marcea Bertenshaw said that the people she treats often do not realise what happened the previous night or nights that led to their accident.
Ms Bartenshaw said that binge drinking may lead to out of control situations, teenage pregnancies or harmful accidents and that, if more young adults on the Coast were made aware of the risks involved and received appropriate treatment, then drug and alcohol abuse may be reduced.
University of the Sunshine Coast Prof Debra Harker also said that more education and awareness was necessary to deter binge drinking.
She explained that changing perceptions regarding university drinking will help implement change.
“According to our research with young university women, there is a perception when they go to uni that other students drink all the time,” Prof Harker said.
“However, this cohort is most influenced by its immediate friends.”
Peer pressure and curiosity are just a few of the reasons that people become addicted to illicit drugs or alcohol.
eMedicine Health research shows that there is both a physical and strong psychological dependence on various drugs that may lead to feelings of helplessness.
Drug rehabilitation centres situated in several locations throughout Queensland are designed with the sole purpose to help and support those in need.
Drug-ARM Queensland is one such service that is dedicated to help people overcome abusive substance addictions and achieve success.
The organisation includes numerous unique programs, with assistance from trained officers specialising in advanced counselling techniques.
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