PUBLIC URGED TO JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST ICE

City and regional residents are being urged to join the fight against the devastating
drug ice, in a new campaign launched today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Troy Grant has joined Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and Crime Stoppers CEO Peter Price to encourage the public to report ice manufacturers and suppliers in communities and help police stamp out the drug.

Mr Grant, a former country police officer, said ice or crystal methamphetamine is having a devastating impact on families and communities across NSW, with major impacts felt in regional towns as well as Sydney.

“I have never seen a drug have such an impact on our country towns and cities, where its use by one individual has destructive ripple effects right across family members, friends, acquaintances and associates,” Mr Grant said.

“It is time people in these towns reclaim their loved ones from the grip of this corrosive drug and they can help by keeping their eyes and ears open to the signs of backyard manufacturing and street corner supply.

“I congratulate the NSW Police Force and Crime Stoppers for creating this campaign, which points out the clear signs of ice manufacture and supply to look for.
“I urge members of the public to assist police with any piece of information by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 – it may be just the piece of the puzzle police need to break the supply chain.’’

Mr Scipione said the campaign will focus on how small efforts by the community can lead police to major breakthroughs.

“A single anonymous call to Crime Stoppers can make an immensely positive impact for police and communities in tackling these drugs,” Commissioner Scipione said.

“I have seen firsthand how one call led to the seizure of 585 kilograms of ice. That’s 585 kilograms of a deadly drug stopped from getting on our streets.

“This new campaign is all about encouraging more people to make those calls. Your
information could help police smash an ice supply syndicate and prevent lives from being destroyed.”

Crime Stoppers CEO, Peter Price, said callers can be reassured their information would be treated in the strictest confidence.

“As the Commissioner and Minister have made clear, one anonymous call to Crime Stoppers can make a huge difference to thousands of lives,” Mr Price said.

“We don’t need to know your name, we don’t need to know where you are calling from; all we need is the information you have to hand. We can pass this information on to investigators and they can use it in their efforts to combat drug crime. It may just be the missing link they need to crack open a complex case.’’

Assistant Minister for Health, Pru Goward said the Government has 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 provide increased treatment programs for those who fall into its grip.”