THE local community is taking a stance against illegal drug activity, with Crime Stoppers reporting a 60 per cent increase in reports during Sale’s Dob in a Dealer program.
During the same two-week intensive program from September 7 to 20, Bairnsdale recorded a stellar 140 per cent increase in reports.
Eastern Region Division Six Superintendent Brad Dixon said he was very pleased with the community response since the program’s launch.
Some of the information provided has led to the successful seizures of drugs and cash and associated offences.
“Some of these matters will be before the courts in the future, and some of the information is still being used to shape future investigations,” Superintendent Dixon said.
The majority of intelligence received was in relation to ‘amphetamine type substances’ – different forms of amphetamine including crystal methamphetamine (ice).
Victoria is reportedly home to about 30,000 methamphetamine users, with about 85 per cent of those believed to be using ice.
The availability and purity of ice has increased in recent years and is reported to be the preferred form of methamphetamine.
Crime Stoppers Victoria community manager Peter Brown said in the last financial year, there had been $13.4 million of drugs seized through calls to Crime Stoppers, with a majority of seizures being ice.
While combating illegal drug activity is always a focus for local police, Superintendent Dixon said they were particularly focused on eradicating amphetamines, including ice.
He said police were confident that the trafficking, manufacturing and use of ice was linked to other crime activity in the area.
“The intelligence we have received has been very beneficial to us,” he said.
“Yes, it creates more work for us in the analysis and verification of the information, but we are happy to get the information, analyse it and act on the information where we can.
“We strongly encourage the community to keep providing the information in an effort to reduce the dealers’ opportunity to undertake their illegal and destructive activity.
“It may not be today or tomorrow, but if you are dealing drugs in this area, we will find out and you can expect a visit from us in the future.
“When we catch you we will also seize whatever cash and property you have as a result of your criminal activity.”
Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 for a confidential conversation or report securely online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
If you or someone you know is affected by drug use or addiction, you can phone support services such as Family Drug Help on 1300 660 068, Youth Support and Advocacy Service on 1800 014 446 or the Victorian government’s Ice Help Line on 1800 ICE ADVICE (1800 423 238).
