AN ice campaign targeting Wellington and East Gippsland regions launched in Bairnsdale on Monday urges locals to dob in dealers.
The campaign, launched in collaboration with Victoria Police, is targeting Sale, Bairnsdale and their surrounding areas.
Locals are again being urged to report information about those manufacturing, distributing and trafficking crystal methylamphetamine (‘ice’) and other illicit drugs in their neighbourhoods.
Held in September last year, the Wellington region’s previous campaign contributed to a 57 per cent increase in drug-related information reports to Crime Stoppers, while East Gippsland’s resulted in a 140 per cent increase in drug-related reports during the two-week campaign.
Crime Stoppers Victoria general manager Cathy Rhodes said many people knew someone affected by illicit drugs and the devastating effect they had on individuals, their loved ones and the wider community.
She urged people to help reduce the manufacture and supply of illicit drugs in their neighbourhoods by reporting what they knew to Crime Stoppers.
“Any piece of information you provide, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, could assist police in finding those guilty of manufacturing, dealing and supplying illicit drugs in your community and bringing them to justice,” she said.
“We urge you to pick up the phone and call Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au anything you know about the manufacture, supply and dealing of drugs in your neighbourhood.”
Ms Rhodes said information Crime Stoppers received would be handled in the utmost confidence.
“You do not have to give your name or any personal details,” she said.
“There is no caller ID or IP tracing.”
East Gippsland local area commander, Inspector Luke Smeaton, said front line police were familiar with the devastating effects illicit drugs could have on people, their families and others in their communities.
“We need a whole of community approach to tackle the flow of these harmful substances into our neighbourhoods,” he said.
“The Dob in a Dealer campaign enables the community to report what they know about drug manufacturing, trafficking and dealing entirely confidentially to Crime Stoppers.
“The smallest piece of information could save someone’s life.”
Wellington local area commander, Inspector Robert Wallace, said the smallest piece of information could make a difference in disrupting organised crime and stopping the harm drugs brought.
A Crime Stoppers spokesperson said methylamphetamine was a complex issue involving law enforcement, but was increasingly regarded as a health issue.
The campaign was aimed at identifying the manufacturers and distributors of methylamphetamine and other illicit drugs, rather than end users.
The spokesperson said some people reporting may have existing drug addictions or may be family members of someone suffering an addiction, and those needing help would be referred to local health care agencies where they could discuss treatment options.
Those with drug problems, or people who know someone affected by drug use or addiction, can phone support services such as Family Drug Help on 1300 660 068 or Youth Support and Advocacy Service on 1800 014 446.
Dob in a Dealer information about local drug dealing activity can be reported confidentially online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Crime Stoppers’ Dob in a Dealer program is being rolled out across Australia.
In total 17 campaigns will be delivered in Victoria and more than 75 nation-wide.
