Crime Stoppers ACT is asking Canberrans to “Dob in a Dealer” as part of a national campaign to fight the take-up of methamphetamine by encouraging residents to report drug crime where and when they suspect it is occurring.
Residents who think someone in their community is manufacturing or supplying illicit substances are asked to contact Crime Stoppers (anonymously or publicly if they prefer) on 1800 333 000 or report online via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.
ACT Chief Police Officer Rudi Lammers said police hoped they could find the sources of the drug here through its users.
“The sources include the manufacturers and the suppliers and distributors in Canberra … our focus through this campaign and through other campaigns is not to target the users of drugs,” he said.
The Chief Police Officer said Canberra’s ice problem was no different to that in other states or territories.
“We don’t have a big ice problem in Canberra, but we do have a problem that results from the use of ice in Canberra … so violence, family violence, the mixture of alcohol and ice is a problem in Canberra,” he said.
ACT Chief Minister Simon Corbell stressed that law enforcement was just one way of tackling the issues surrounding ice use.
“Just as important is ensuring consumers receive appropriate assistance and support from health care agencies once they have been identified and seek treatment,” Mr Corbell said.
He said that community information was vital to helping stem the prevalence of methamphetamine here.
“We are aware that some people reporting to Crime Stoppers have an existing addiction, or may have family members suffering from an addiction. I encourage these people to make the call to Crime Stoppers and then engage with health services to discuss treatment options.”
File photograph of Rudi Lammers by Charlotte Harper
