Police from Mid North Coast Local Area Command (LAC) have thanked the community for their ongoing support during the recent ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign.
The Commonwealth-funded campaign is currently being conducted in States and Territories across Australia.
While members of the public are urged to report any prohibited-drug activity via Crime Stoppers; ‘Dob in a Dealer’ is targeting the manufacture, supply and use of ‘ice’ (crystal methylamphetamine) in the community.
‘Dob in a Dealer’ was promoted across Mid North Coast Local Area Command during July.
Police and Crime Stoppers conducted intensive community-engagement activities at locations across the command, encouraging members of the public to report information about prohibited drugs.
Over the course of the campaign and in the weeks that followed, Crime Stoppers received a number of Information Reports from the community relating to possible drug activity in the local area.
Mid North Coast Local Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Paul Fehon, thanked the community for getting behind the ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign.
This only strengthens our resolve to continue our work, with and for the community, to get ‘ice’ off our streets and put those responsible for manufacturing these dangerous substances before the courts.
- Det Supt Paul Fehon
“During the campaign we received 22 information reports via Crime Stoppers about suspected drug activity across our command, all of which will now undergo further investigation,” Det Supt Fehon said.
“We know we can’t be on every street corner and therefore a whole-of-community approach is required to effectively stem the spread of illicit drugs like ‘ice’.
“That’s why it was so positive to see the calls coming in with valuable information from members of the public, and I thank each and every person for making that effort.
“Unfortunately, Mid North Coast LAC and our community is not immune to the prevalence of prohibited drugs – in fact, just last week we saw a number of drug-related arrests.
“Strike Force Downey, established in March this year, led to the arrest and charge of three men over their alleged involvement in commercial drug supply activities and participation in an organised criminal group.
“This only strengthens our resolve to continue our work, with and for the community, to get ‘ice’ off our streets and put those responsible for manufacturing these dangerous substances before the courts.
“Never underestimate the important role you can play in helping us track down and arrest those involved in manufacturing and distributing ‘ice’ across our neighbourhoods – your phone call could make an enormous difference.”
Crime Stoppers NSW CEO, Peter Price, said people who live and work within Mid North Coast Local Area Command can still report information confidentially and anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
“While the campaign has come to a close in Mid North Coast LAC, the issue of illegal drugs has not – and we urge the community to continue reporting drug-dealing or drug-manufacturing activity to Crime Stoppers,” Mr Price said.
"We're calling on members of the public to step up and stamp out 'ice' in their community – together we can affect real change.
“Calls made to Crime Stoppers are directed to a state-wide call centre and they’re completely confidential. You do not have to identify yourself and you will not be compelled to participate for a court case,” Mr Price said.
“Most importantly, every piece of information you provide can help solve crimes and reduce drug supply – so if you know something, say something.”
