Adelaide Uni criminologist David Caruso warns of rising drugs use THOUSANDS more people are being caught using, possessing, producing and trading illicit drugs compared with five years ago. Police statistics show 5094 drug offences were detected in the 2011-12 financial year - up 75 per cent on the 2907 offences in 2007-08. Police say the increase can be attributed largely to more effective policing but experts believe the need for easy money is fuelling the upturn. The news comes as Federal Police yesterday announced a record seizure of 585kg of methamphetamine worth up to $438 million. Three people who allegedly tried to take possession of the drugs were arrested in a Sydney suburb. Adelaide University advocacy and justice unit director and criminologist David Caruso warned illicit drugs that were easier to obtain were no less harmful than other more potent, but less accessible, alternatives. Mr Caruso said the involvement of organised crime in the drug trade was a key factor behind the increase in offences. "In difficult economic times and with the proliferation of devices in clan labs, more people in the community . . . are turning to drug manufacture to make money," he said. These (illicit) drugs are dangerous and they are having a detrimental effect on people. The biggest spike in drug offences in South Australia has been in the possession of drug equipment, which increased from 120 to 1381 in the five-year period. The statistics also show that nearly one in three people caught possessing or using cannabis were juveniles, including children as young as 10. Other illicit drugs that were detected by police included heroin, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, LSD and hallucinogens. Drug Investigation Branch Detective Inspector Derryn Phillips said educating young people about the dangers of illicit drugs - particularly so-called party drugs - was crucial in eradicating myths that they were not harmful or potentially fatal. "It is of great concern and frustration to South Australia Police that despite extensive education and enforcement campaigns, individuals continue to use, manufacture and traffic in illicit drugs at all levels," she said.