The drug ice is the chief target in the Dob in a Dealer campaign launched by Crime Stoppers in Queanbeyan on Wednesday.
The government-funded national campaign aims to halt the rise of methamphetamine activity across Australia.
It is based on the highly successful Crime Stoppers Victoria 2015 initiative, piloted in a several regional and remote centres, which resulted in a 155% increase in community information reports concerning ice.
Ice is a stimulant drug that speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and the body. It is a type of methamphetamine, which is generally stronger and more addictive and has more harmful side-effects than the powder form known as speed.
The name derives from its appearance; it usually comes as small chunky clear crystals that look like ice. It can also come as white or brownish crystal-like powder with a strong smell and bitter taste.
Devastating effects
Its other street names include crystal meth, shabu, crystal, glass and shard.
“We know that drugs such as ice are of serious concern to the community,” said Crime Stoppers Australia chairman Bryan Roach at the launch in Queanbeyan Park.
“Queanbeyan is well aware of the devastating effects of ice so we are asking all residents to help put a stop to the flow of drugs. Halting the spread of ice requires a whole-of-community response and the Dob in a Dealer campaign is specifically aimed at stopping the manufacture and supply of drugs.
“We hope this campaign will promote increased information reporting from the public. Every piece of information helps and will improve opportunities for police to target and arrest those criminals and organised crime gangs responsible for distributing ice in and around Queanbeyan.”
Crime Stoppers representatives in every state and territory will be working with community leaders and police over the next few months seeking information from the public on those they suspect are involved in the manufacture, trafficking and supply of ice and other illicit drugs.
Detective superintendent Rod Smith, the Monaro local area commander, also urged the community to get behind Dob in a Dealer and stem the flow of illicit drugs in the community.
Mobilise the public
“This campaign is about mobilising members of the public in the continued fight against ice in our community,” he said.
“Crime Stoppers is committed to working with NSW Police, ACT Policing, the media and local residents to gather information anonymously, which will help keep our community safe, reduce drug supply and drug related crimes.
“Time and time again we see the devastating impact prohibited drugs can have, not only on those who choose to consume them, but also on their family, friends and the wider community.
“Recent crime statistics – in both regional and metropolitan areas – show the record increase of amphetamine-related offences.
“NSW Police is committed to tackling this scourge head-on, but we need your help. Don’t underestimate the valuable contribution you can make through a simple call to Crime Stoppers. What you know could be the key to shutting down a dangerous drug house in your neighbourhood and making our community a safer place for everyone to enjoy.”
If you think you have information about someone in your local community who is manufacturing or supplying illicit drugs, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at act.crimestoppers.com.au. You can remain anonymous.
If you or someone you know is affected by drug use or addiction, please contact support services such as Queanbeyan Drug and Alcohol Services on 1800 809 423.
Crime Stoppers is a not-for-profit community organisation, helping to keep families and communities safe. It works closely with police to provide valuable information from the public to help solve crime. Any information you provide is anonymous.
Photo: from left, Monaro local area commander, detective superintendent Rod Smith, Crime Stoppers Australia chairman Bryan Roach, and Queanbeyan mayor Tim Overall.
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