A state-wide campaign aimed at mobilising members of the public in the fight against ‘ice’ has arrived in The Hume Local Area Command (LAC) today, NSW Police say.
The ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign has been funded by the Commonwealth Government, and is currently taking place in States and Territories across Australia.
In NSW, the campaign is being held in 21 LACs across the state over a six-month period between March and September 2016.
It will run in each LAC for two weeks, during which police and Crime Stoppers will conduct community-engagement activities designed to educate the public on the dangers of illicit drugs and how they can show their support for the campaign.
These will also highlight the important role members of the public have in helping police shut down drug-manufacturing syndicates and arrest drug suppliers.
During the campaign, residents across The Hume LAC will be urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the online portal, where they can report drug-dealing activities anonymously.
Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has consistently demonstrated the significant impact ‘ice’ is having on our communities.
In the 36 months to September 2015, arrests for amphetamine possession soared by 75.3 per cent across NSW (up from 5,063 in 2013 to 8,876 in 2015).
Over the same time period, arrests for dealing/trafficking amphetamines in NSW increased 34 per cent (from 1,567 in 2013 to 2,099 in 2015).
There has also been a steady increase in the number of clandestine drug laboratories detected by police in NSW. In 2008 there were 55; by last year this had almost doubled, with 106 laboratories dismantled.
The ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign will target criminals who are manufacturing and supplying ‘ice’, and even one phone call to Crime Stoppers can have an enormous impact.
In September 2012, a single, anonymous call to Crime Stoppers led to State Crime Command’s Asian Crime Squad – now known as the Organised Crime Squad – seizing 585 kilos of ‘ice’ a few months later in February 2013.
The Hume Local Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis, said everyone in the community has a role to play in stemming the flow of illegal drugs.
"This campaign is about mobilising the community in the continued fight against drugs. Police cannot be on every street corner, but together we can make a real impact," A/Supt Koutsoufis said.
"We’ve seen time and time again, the devastating affect drugs – including ‘ice’ – have in our neighbourhoods. These substances are not only illegal, but those who choose to use them are taking a serious gamble with their life.
"Continued drug use can have a terrible ripple effect with individual’s families, their work and their neighbourhood suffering too, as a result," A/Supt Koutsoufis said.
"Police have also witnessed violent and criminal behaviour perpetrated by those linked to the use and supply of ‘ice’ in our community – which police will continue to target to put those responsible before the court.
"I urge you to show your support for ‘Dob in a Dealer’, no matter how insignificant the information may seem, to help us make our community a safer place," A/Supt Koutsoufis said.
Crime Stoppers NSW Chair, Robert Forsyth, said halting the spread of ‘ice’ requires a whole-of-community response.
"Crime Stoppers is committed to working with NSW Police, community leaders, local residents, and the media to gather information that can help to reduce drug supply and drug-related crimes," Mr Forsyth said.
"We’re taking this campaign across NSW, and asking everyone to join us in the fight against ‘ice’ – do not underestimate the immensely positive contribution you can make through a single phone call.
"We want members of the public to play an active role and tell us about criminals who are bringing harmful drugs into their region," Mr Forsyth said.
"Making a report to Crime Stoppers is completely confidential. You will never be identified or be compelled to participate for a court case, but every piece of information you provide can help solve crimes and reduce drug supply."
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.
Please find below a schedule of the local area commands involved in the campaign, including their proposed start dates.
‘Dob in a Dealer’ Community Engagement Calendar
14 March 2016: Redfern
21 March 2016: Orana
28 March 2016: Sydney City
11 April 2016: Castlereagh
11 April 2016: Liverpool
26 April 2016: Campbelltown
2 May 2016: Barwon
9 May 2016: Wollongong
23 May 2016: Richmond
30 May 2016: Shoalhaven
13 June 2016: Tweed/Byron
20 June 2016: The Hume
4 July 2016: Coffs/Clarence
11 July 2016: Albury
18 July 2016: Mid North Coast
1 August 2016: Wagga Wagga
8 August 2016: Oxley
22 August 2016: Griffith
29 August 2016: Newcastle City
12 September 2016: Canobolas
19 September 2016: Blacktown
Crime Stoppers is focused on gathering information to stop the supply and manufacture of drugs. If you or someone you know is affected by drug use or addiction, please contact support services such as the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on (02) 9361 8000.
