ice has been a chronic problem in WA since 2000 on.
it is the most potent, addictive and lethal form of amphetamine and as a result quickly wiped out old style speed (base) and heroin as the drug of choice in the early 2000's.
there was a push to try and wipe out medium to high level independant manufacturers and suppliers of the drug to contain the supply to just a few powerful distribution networks in WA so that it could be controlled.
but this backfired because firstly, it is much more expensive for retail buyers to buy in WA than in the eastern states which your average dependant user cannot afford and thus support their addiction. Secondly, it is so addictive and quickly sucks the life out of you so that you become a slave to the drug and commanded by it. Thirdly, it is quite easy to manufacture as ingredients can be obtained readily and the internet provides a wealth of information on how to produce it.
As a result, meth labs have exploded but the rampant number of ice dependants out there has been high for along time, that hasn't changed but the method to obtain it has.
Ice only leads to 3 places - death, jail or an institution.
