LIMESTONE Coast residents are being asked to help Crime Stoppers South Australia and SA Police to disrupt the manufacture and supply of drugs by reporting any information about drug-dealing offences within their local community.
The Dob in a Dealer campaign is a nation-wide program funded by the Federal Government to stop Australia’s supply chain of illicit drugs, including methylamphetamine (ice), cocaine, MDMA, heroin and cannabis.
“Drug dealers are often hiding in plain sight within regional communities, with some people finding it easier to turn a blind eye and not speak out for fear of retaliation, but anonymously contacting Crime Stoppers offers a solution,” Crime Stoppers South Australia chair Sharon Hanlon said.
“In South Australia, the last Dob in a Dealer campaign which ran from February 2016 to March 2017 saw more than 240 reports made concerning drug related activity, which contributed to a number of arrests and reports and provided police with numerous strong investigative leads that saw the seizure of an array of drugs, firearms and stolen property.
“Because regional communities are close-knit, people tend to know who is selling drugs to their family, friends and colleagues.
“They might feel powerless when it comes to doing something about it or think it’s up to someone else, but let’s not kid ourselves about the damage that drug dealers continue to cause.
“Sitting back and watching dealers destroy the lives of the people you care about should not be an option.
“We need people to make a difference by contacting Crime Stoppers and sharing what they know.”
Ms Hanlon said the Limestone Coast component of the campaign included distribution of flyers across the region, advertising in local media and direct engagement with the community.
“Through Dob in a Dealer, we’re not asking you to dob in your mates,” she said.
“We’re asking you to be a mate and look after the welfare of those you care most about by reporting to Crime Stoppers anything you have seen or heard that could relate to the import, manufacture or supply of any illicit drug.
“Crime Stoppers is a safe, trusted link between the community and police.
“We do not need to know who someone is, just what they know.
“Even if someone has little more than a suspicion that still might be the piece of the puzzle that can make all the difference – so our message is for people to make the call and choose to stay anonymous.”
If you have any information about someone who is manufacturing or dealing drugs, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
You can remain anonymous.
