The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) figures were released as part of a NSW Police and Fairfax Media campaign, Your Call Can Make a Difference, encouraging people to report information about the supply or distribution of the amphetamine. 

The figures show six people dealing in or trafficking amphetamines were arrested in 2014, up from one case in 2013.

Police hope the campaign will increase the number of calls to Crime Stoppers, resulting in more arrests, charges and prosecutions of ice dealers and suppliers.

As part of the statewide campaign, the NSW Police Force is targeting seven communities: Orange, Dubbo, Newcastle, Albury-Wodonga, Bellingen, Goulburn and Moree.

Canobolas Local Area Command Superintendent Shane Cribb said he welcomed any community campaign that reminded people to contact police with information about drug use and distribution.

“If we’re going to make more arrests in relation to ice then we need the public’s assistance,” he said.

“The public are our eyes and ears.”

Superintendent Cribb understands people may be reluctant to contact police, but calling Crime Stoppers was an easy way to report a crime anonymously.

“Ice is a highly addictive and extremely dangerous drug that is having a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities right across NSW,” he said.

“When people take ice they don’t know what they’re taking because it’s being produced by amateurs.”

VIDEO: Wednesday's launch of the NSW Police Crime Stoppers campaign:

Superintendent Cribb says the behaviour of people who are using ice is dangerous not only for them, but also for the people they come in contact with.

“It doesn’t matter where you are from or what your social circumstance is, if you start taking this drug your life is going to be seriously compromised,” he said.

“Just as ice destroys lives in our cities and suburbs, it destroys lives in country communities too. 

“Far too many families in Orange and surrounds are having to deal with the unrelenting havoc this horrible drug wreaks.”

Superintendent Cribb said regional and rural commands were working closely with colleagues in the drug squad, as well as local community groups, to tackle the use and supply of ice in country towns. 

“Dozens of people in Orange and surrounds are doing their bit to help police get ice and other drugs out of our community, and we’re encouraging more people to join the fight,  he said. 

“Please do not underestimate the immensely positive impact one anonymous call to Crime Stoppers can make.”

Next week Fairfax Media will run a series of full-page information sheets designed to inform people about the dangers of ice.

Crime Stoppers’ number is 1800 333 000.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au

MEMBER for Orange Andrew Gee has welcomed a new campaign encouraging the community to help police stamp out the supply and use of the drug ice.

Mr Gee said the Your Call Can Make a Difference campaign, being run by NSW Police and Fairfax Media, was designed to help combat the impact of ice.

“Ice has a horrific impact on the social fabric of communities across the state, and the Central West is not exempt from its force,” he said.

“This new campaign will include advertisements in newspapers, magazines and throughout social media, and I encourage the community to share with their networks and spread the message,  a phone call can make a big difference.

“I urge anyone who knows or sees anything suspicious to anonymously phone 1800 333 000 and join the fight against this toxic drug in our community.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant, who was a police officer for 22 years, said ice was devastating communities in metropolitan and regional NSW.

“I have never seen a drug as corrosive to human decency as the drug ice,” he said.

“We need to work together as a community to stamp out this addictive, destructive and dangerous drug that is devastating individuals, families and communities across this state.”

Assistant Health Minister Pru Goward said the government had a targeted plan to stamp out the drug and support affected communities.

“As part of our election commitments, we will introduce harsher penalties for ice dealers and will provide increased treatment programs for those who fall into its grip,” she said.