A surge in heroin use in NSW has been blamed for a sharp rise in drug-related arrests in the state, a report shows.
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) has released its quarterly crime statistics, which show a large increase in drug crimes.
It showed arrests for the use and possession of narcotics rose 29.1 per cent, a figure BOSCAR director Don Weatherburn said was worrying for authorities.
"It's a matter of concern because not only have arrests for narcotics use gone up, but so too have emergency department admissions for narcotics use, heroin overdoses if you like," Mr Weatherburn said.
"I think that is a problem that needs to be watched closely.
"We seem to go through periods where heroin becomes available again and then dries up. This seems to happen every few months."
The report, which takes in the first three months of 2008, also showed arrests for possession and use of ecstasy were up 16.8 per cent.
The BOSCAR statistics also show a rise in arrests for inappropriate behaviour, with offensive conduct jumping 25.7 per cent and offensive language up 11.8 per cent.
However, the 17 major crime categories, including murder, sexual assault and theft, all remained stable or had slight decreases.
Police Minister David Campbell said the report showed police were making inroads in tackling crime, but "more work needed to be done".
"This is a pleasing result which supports the Iemma government's decision to invest a record $2.3 billion into policing in NSW, delivering increased police numbers and the latest in crime fighting technology," he said in a statement.
"The Iemma government is committed to giving our police the resources, support and tough powers that they need to protect NSW families."
The opposition said the statistics showed a worrying trend in the increase of hard drug use.
"The Iemma government has really dropped the ball when it comes to tackling drug crime," opposition police spokesman Mike Gallacher said.
"There is no doubt police on the streets are doing the best they can with what they've got.
"It's now up to David Campbell and (Premier) Morris Iemma to ensure they provide officers with better strategies to drive crime down and the resources to make it happen."