Canberra youth drug use and violence spike, police warn of fluid gangs
Youth violence and drug use are rising in Canberra, with police warning of loose gang networks.
Teenagers in Canberra are using nitrous oxide canisters called "nangs" and ketamine, gathering in bush camps where they often end up unconscious. One mother found photos on her son's phone of adolescents passed out in nature reserves.
Recent violence has alarmed parents and police. In September, two people were stabbed in a clash between youth groups at Calwell shops.
A 16-year-old at a college in Tuggeranong was accused of a premeditated stabbing with possible gang links. Police say Canberra does not have formal structured gangs but informal, fluid groups that shift membership and cross-pollinate between suburbs.
After the ACT raised the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 in July 2025, police recorded almost 660 apprehensions of young people aged 14 to 17 in the next 12 months. Police say a small group commits a large proportion of crime, most with prior police contact.
- Raised to 14 in July 2025
- Minimum age change
- Almost 660 of ages 14-17 in 12 months
- Youth apprehensions
Why it mattersYouth crime is concentrated among a small group of highly recidivist offenders, meaning intervention focused on the most troubled young people may be more effective than broad crackdowns.
AustraliaCanberra's youth crime surge reflects challenges facing Australian cities, with drug use and gang-like activity involving teenagers adrift from family and school.
