Ice dealers feel campaign heat

Amphetamine-related information reports to Crime Stoppers jumped 50 per cent during the Greater Dandenong Dob in a Dealer campaign.
The Crime Stoppers initiative ran from Wednesday 27 July to Tuesday 9 August and encouraged the community to confidentially report information about dealing, trafficking or manufacturing methamphetamines and other illicit drugs.
The non-profit, independent organisation passed on the information to police for investigation.
Crime Stoppers Victoria community communications co-ordinator Chris Plumridge said the increase in reports showed how determined residents were to put a stop to the flow of illegal substances into their neighbourhoods.
“Arrests are made and drug warrants are executed as a result of reports to Crime Stoppers,” he said.
“While the Dob in a Dealer program has concluded, reports can be made to Crime Stoppers 365 days a year and we urge you to continue to pass on information about any suspicious behaviour.
“Making a report to Crime Stoppers is completely confidential.
Every piece of information you provide can help solve crimes and reduce the supply of illicit drugs.”
At the Greater Dandenong Dob in a Dealer launch, Victoria Police Dandenong Divisional Commander Superintendent Paul Hollowood said: “The community are our lifeblood in terms of information.
“The insidious influence of ice actually does drive a lot of the crime that’s occurring,” he said.
Crime Stoppers’ Dob in a Dealer campaign is being rolled out across Australia to help to detect and disrupt drug supply.
A $1 million Federal Government grant is funding the national program which is run in collaboration with state and territory police services.
Visit www.crimestoppers.com.au or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.