AN increased number of illicit drug reports have been made to Crime Stoppers thanks, in part, to a focus on the Central West.
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The two-month long Dob in a Dealer campaign has just wrapped up with officers paying particular focus on Orange, Forbes, Parkes, Molong, Trundle and Cumnock.
During the campaign, there was an 18 per cent increase in drug-related information reports across NSW, and, of note, a 17 per cent increase in amphetamine-related information reports.
Crime Stoppers NSW chief executive officer Peter Price told the Central Western Daily that the Central West Police District was one of 14 key focus areas.
This campaign was all about dismantling and disrupting the supply of all drugs.
- Crime Stoppers NSW chief executive officer Peter Price
"Ice, because of its very low cost, continues to be a problem drug especially in lower socio-economic areas," he said of police concerns for this district.
"This campaign was all about dismantling and disrupting the supply of all drugs."
Drugs of particular focus during the campaign included: methylamphetamine (ice), cocaine, MDMA, heroin and cannabis.
During the campaign, police officers used community interactions and social media to encourage people to report crime and any suspicious behaviour that they witnessed.
Mr Price said the campaign was launched in Orange on February 26.
"Crime Stoppers information was handed out to locals. It was a great opportunity to engage with the community about drugs and safety," he said.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar thanked the community for getting behind the campaign and urged them to remain vigilant.
"I can assure you that we will continue to do everything we can to reduce the availability of prohibited drugs and minimise the harm it can cause," he said.
If you see people coming and going from a premises late at night or early in the morning, if you see houses with their windows blacked out or you notice strange smells - these are typical signs drug dealing or drug manufacturing.
"It is important to remember that prohibited drugs can impact on people from all socio-economic backgrounds and spans the entire geography of this state.
Mr Price said because phone calls made to Crime Stoppers were confidential, data was not available on how many calls were made for illicit drug reports in the Central West Police District.
He did, however, urge people to continue report any suspicious behaviour.
"Anything you have seen or heard that could relate to the import, manufacture or supply of illicit drugs can help," he said.
"If you see people coming and going from a premises late at night or early in the morning, if you see houses with their windows blacked out or you notice strange smells - these are typical signs drug dealing or drug manufacturing."
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