Breaking the chain of drug supply, and the detrimental effects that illicit drugs have on families and communities has motivated police and health experts to team up to deliver important information during the current illicit drugs campaign.
Police focus on combating illicit drugs because of the role they play as a significant crime precursor in the ACT community, says Drugs and Organised Crime Detective Sergeant Shane Scott.
Emergency Medicine Consultant at Calvary Hospital, Dr David Caldicott, said that law enforcement had an important role to play in preventing young people from being hurt by illicit drugs.
“Young adults do not deserve to be hurt or even die as a consequence of ill-informed choices. In my job, I’m often asked to deal with the results of those choices. Law enforcement, when performed sensitively and sensibly, can play an important public health role in disrupting the distribution of potentially very dangerous products, and remove some of the opportunity to make choices that might prove deadly.”
Detective Sergeant Shane Scott said what police are focusing on is breaking the chain and taking drug traffickers off the streets.
“Police target every criminal in the supply chain from manufacturers and importers to local dealers. These people live or work in our community so chances are you may know something,” Detective Sergeant Scott said.
“There are signs which people can look out for which could indicate illicit drug dealing. Drug dealers often have unexplained wealth, might carry large sums of cash, meet in suspicious locations or make secretive phone calls. They may also have a lot of visitors who appear to be acquaintance’s rather than friends.”
“Some people begin dealing drugs thinking it will be an easy way to make money but don’t consider the impact a criminal charge can have on their career and ability to travel overseas. Countries such as USA may deny entry to travelers convicted of a drug-related crime.”
If you suspect someone is dealing illicit drugs or witnessed suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously and rewards may apply.
For more information on illicit drugs go to the ACT Policing website at www.police.act.gov.au.
[Courtesy ACT Policing]
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