Authorities are on the hunt for information about drug dealers they say are ‘destroying lives’ as part of a new campaign to combat illicit drug crime.
The initiative by Crime Stoppers Tasmania for Crime Stoppers Week aims to highlight the impact drug abuse has on families and the wider community.
According to Crime David Daniels, one in ten Tasmanians are victims of drug-related incidents, experiencing verbal or physical abuse or living in fear.
“We know that drug dealers destroy lives and criminals just don’t care,” he said.
“People stay anonymous when they contact Crime Stoppers. They always have and they always will.”
Minister for Police Felix Ellis said one in three intelligence reports received by Tasmania Police come through Crime Stoppers.
“When we’re able to tap into the networks and the understanding and the situational awareness of everyday Tasmanians in their community, that allows our police officers and our detectives to ensure that law and order is kept in this state,” he said.
“We know too that if you see something sus, it usually is. So say something.”
Tasmania Police Commander Doug Oosterloo acknowledged that despite the efforts of dedicated drug and firearm units, drug crime remains a problem in the state.
“Over the last 12 months, there’s been a number of seizures that tell us that drugs coming into the state and being redistributed is a significant problem,” he said.
“Only in December last year, we had what was recorded as Tasmania’s biggest seizure of drugs up in Rocky Cape.”
“Two men were apprehended after bringing in just over seven kilos of cocaine and ice, valued at approximately $4.6 million in street value.”
“Last week, two men were apprehended trafficking firearms at one of our sea terminals.”
Crime Stoppers can be contacted anonymously on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au.
