INFORMATION provided to Crime Stoppers by South Australians during the “Make the Call” campaign has delivered major results and significantly disrupted the local drug trade.
The campaign launched in Mount Gambier in May last year had led to a number of crimes being solved in the region and beyond.
Of the nearly 4200 reports made to the not-for-profit organisation during the six-month campaign, more than 1100 were specifically ice-related.
This led to the closure of five clandestine labs, the arrest of 59 people and seizure of eight firearms.
Crime Stoppers South Australia chair, Sharon Hanlon said strong results were expected when the campaign was launched.
“However, what has been achieved has surpassed all expectations and sends the clear message the community will not sit idly by and let drug dealers peddle their illegal trade unchallenged,” Ms Hanlon said.
“Many people contacted Crime Stoppers using the option of anonymity to provide information that sparked a number of raids and investigations right across the Adelaide metropolitan and regional areas, resulting in illegal drugs and precursor chemicals being seized, as well as Fantasy, Amphetamine, GHB and Cannabis.”
She said an arsenal of weapons were also discovered as a result of the calls.
“We found firearms, tasers, knives and batons, as well as a treasure trove of stolen property and cash,” she said.
“Some information reports have given police significant intelligence holdings to action immediately, while others have formed part of longer-term investigations.
“Whether it is in a regional or metropolitan setting, we know that all too often drug dealers are operating their illicit trade in full sight of the community, but people have taken advantage of this opportunity to hold them to account and disrupt the local supply.”
The campaign – which was part-funded by a $200,000 State Government grant – was launched in February 2018 in response to waste water analysis which suggested the use of methamphetamine in South Australia had tripled over a five-year period in South Australia.
“While not every contact that we receive necessarily results in an immediate apprehension, every piece of information can make a difference by advancing an investigation or providing intelligence that can be passed to police and further explored by investigators,” Ms Hanlon said.
“With an average of 25 crimes solved every week and more than 32,000 crimes solved since Crime Stoppers began in South Australia as a direct result of information provided by the community, this is a highly effective program that makes SA a far safer place.
“Our thanks go to the community for their trust in sharing what they know, SA Police for acting on information received and for the State Government for its financial contribution.”
Any information about criminals or criminal activity can be provided by making a report at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.
