Sydney is experiencing an increase in organized violence, which has recently been highlighted by the murders of Marco Tapia, a 23-year-old student, and Joshua McDonald, 40, in the city. These incidents reflect the hidden world of organized crime and its impacts on society.
Analysis of Organized Violence
The head of the Australian Federal Police, Krissy Barrett, has stated that there is a need for renewed discussion about the connection between illegal drug use and organized crime in Australia. But is the Australian appetite for illegal drugs really the main reason for the growing concerns about organized crime? Statistics do not provide a clear picture.
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Recent incidents, including the murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, show that victims often have no connection to organized crime and that these cases are more often the result of misunderstandings. Since 2020, 41 murders have been attributed to Sydney's underground crimes, of which 8 have been misidentified.
Drug Use Statistics and Its Impact on Crime
The New South Wales police have rejected claims that organized violence is "out of control." However, at the same time, Prime Minister Chris Minns has introduced new laws to combat organized crime. Most violence stems from escalating conflicts between rival criminal networks for control of the lucrative drug trade in Sydney.
Barrett attributes the violence to high levels of illegal drug use and believes that reducing demand for these substances could diminish the power and violence of criminal groups. However, data shows that the rate of illegal drug use is on the rise.
Nonetheless, statistics do not clearly indicate whether drug use is genuinely increasing or if society has changed its attitude, leading more individuals to admit to drug use. Surveys show that nearly one-fifth of Australians used illegal drugs in the past year.
Ultimately, the increase in organized violence may stem from multiple factors, including the cost of living crisis and global instability. Barrett has noted that criminal groups shift to any profitable commodity. Thus, violence is not driven by demand for a specific substance but relates to the structure of organized crime.
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