A new state-wide campaign aimed at mobilising members of the public in the fight against illicit drugs is underway in Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command.
The "Dob in a Dealer" campaign has been funded by the Commonwealth Government aimed at stopping Australia's supply of illicit drugs including methylamphetamine (ice), cocaine, MDMA, heroin and cannabis.
The campaign is being held in 14 locations across NSW, during with police and Crime Stoppers conducting intensive community-engagement activities to highlight the important role members of the public play in helping police shut down drug-manufacturing syndicates and arrest drug suppliers.
Local residents are being urged to contact Crime Stoppers, to report drug-dealing activities with all information treated in the strictest of confidence.
Data from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commissioner's National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program illustrate the ongoing "ice" problem across the country.
In the last year, cocaine consumption in NSW has increased, almost doubling in Sydney. NSW also has the highest recorded heroin usage in Australia.
The "Dob in a Dealer" campaign will target criminals who are manufacturing and supplying illicit drugs, and even one phone call to Crime Stoppers can have an enormous impact.
Eastern Suburbs Police Area Commander, Superintendent John Duncan said the manufacture and supply of illicit drugs remains of serious concern to the community, particularly where it is seriously impacting the lives of people who live and work there.
"Our officers see the impact of illicit drugs in the community on a daily basis and police, together with the community, want it to stop," Supt Duncan said.
"Last year, our officers seized more than 15 kilograms of cannabis, five kilograms of methylamphetamine, four kilograms of cocaine, and two kilograms of both GHB and ecstasy.
"Local police have seen a significant increase in drug supply detections within the Eastern Suburbs over the past year, with many relating to the supply of cocaine.
"The message we want to share today is that the community can help police stem the flow of drugs by providing confidential information about those involved in the manufacture and supply.
"Members of the public should not feel bad about dobbing in drug dealers as they do not care about you or your family, the do not care if people become addicted, commit crimes to feed their habit, or overdose and die – they only care about the money they can make.
"Your call could mean making our community a safer place for all," Supt Duncan said.
Crime Stoppers NSW CEO, Peter Price AM, said responding to drug-related offences not only costs millions of dollars in healthcare and law enforcement, but tragically and unnecessarily it costs human lives.
"Someone's son or daughter is likely to die today because of a drug dealer selling their poison for profit," Mr Price said.
"We know from history that public support helps police intervene in criminal activity and disrupt organised crime gangs who are responsible for the manufacture and supply of these drugs.
"When this campaign was first launch in 2016, reports to Crime Stoppers about drug related activity increased by 126 per cent.
"We don't want to know who you are, we just want to know what you know. We're asking you to be a mate and look out for the welfare of family, friends and colleagues by reporting to Crime Stoppers.
"Anything you have seen or heard that could relate to the import, manufacture or supply of illicit drugs and help police bring those responsible to justice," Mr Price said.
If you think you have information about someone in your community who is manufacturing or supplying drugs, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 for a confidential conversation, or report securely online at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
Below is the schedule of Police Area Commands and Police Districts involved in the campaign, including their proposed start dates. This schedule is subject to change. To confirm dates and discuss proposed media activities in each command, please contact the NSW Police Media Unit or local Police Station.
"Dob in a Dealer" Community Engagement Calendar
3 January 2019 – Tweed/Byron Police District
4 January 2019 – Richmond Police District
7 January 2019 – Newcastle City Police District
8 January 2019 – Tuggerah Lakes Police District
31 January 2019 – Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command
1 February 2019 – Redfern Police Area Command
6 February 2019 – Campbelltown City Police Area Command
7 February 2019 – Sydney City Police Area Command
14 February 2019 – Fairfield City Police Area Command
15 February 2019 – Surry Hills Police Area Command
18 February 2019 – South Coast Police District
19 February 2019 – Murray River Police District
26 February 2019 – Central West Police District
28 February 2019 – Kings Cross Police Area Command
