Hard drugs like methamphetamines ruin lives. They are a scourge on our society.
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The police seizure of about 10,000 "hits" of the drug ice on Friday - about 1 kilogram worth $750,000 - is encouraging and should be applauded.
The drugs were found during a targeted traffic stop on the Federal Highway, where they were allegedly hidden in the spare tyre of a vehicle.
We can only hope the ongoing investigation also proves successful and stops, in the words of police, "those peddling this insidious drug in our suburbs".
It is hard to believe that in this day and age people are still choosing to enter into a life of poverty and crime through the use of drugs.
Addiction is a separate topic, and it has been well acknowledged there are serious shortfalls in the health system's ability to cope with those wishing to overcome their drug use. It is very sad, and things need to change.
But the choice to start using drugs in the first place is one that is impossible to comprehend.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation fact sheet on crystal meth, known as ice, states it is a stimulant drug that is strong and addictive and has harmful side effects.
It usually comes as small chunky clear crystals, hence the name ice. It is generally smoked or injected, sometimes swallowed or snorted.
Effects can include feelings of pleasure and confidence, increased alertness and energy, itching and scratching, dry mouth, teeth grinding, excessive sweating, reduced appetite, increased sex drive.
Sure, one or two of these things sound appealing. But the consequences of the use of ice, not only the come down but the long-term effects, are a huge turn off.
Difficulty sleeping, exhaustion, headaches, blurred vision, hallucinations, confusion, irritability, extreme weight loss, regular colds and flu, breathlessness, muscle stiffness, anxiety, paranoia, depression, heart and kidney problems, dependence... the list goes on, and on, and on.
We can only hope the drugs ACT Policing confiscated off the streets on Friday will mean people who aren't yet addicts, might not have had their first taste, don't risk falling into that world. Maybe, because it isn't available, they change their minds and decide it's not for them. We can hope.
Because if just one person decided not to start taking the drug, then all the police's hard work would be worth it. For that person, for their family and their future, it would be a Merry Christmas indeed.
