Shoalhaven Local Area Commander Superintendent Steve Hegarty, NSW Assistant Commissioner Peter Barrie and Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis launched the program which is a statewide campaign aimed at mobilising members of the public in the fight against drugs and in particular methamphetamines or ‘ice’.

The Dob in a Dealer campaign has been initiated and funded by the Commonwealth Government, and between March and September will take place in 21 NSW LACs. 

Each local campaign will run for two weeks, with police and Crime Stoppers conducting community-engagement activities designed to educate the public on the dangers of illicit drugs and how they can show their support for the campaign.

Residents across Shoalhaven are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the online portal, where they can report drug-dealing activities anonymously.

Local police have had success with major drugs busts with Strike Forces Croci and Idlewild, which were spawned by community meetings regarding the prevalence of the drugs in the community.

“Operation Idlewild just a fortnight ago netted over $600,000 worth of prohibited drugs on the streets,” Supt Hegarty said.

“That equates, when you talk about methamphetamines, to over 6000 deals that were destined for the streets of Shoalhaven and the Far South Coast.

“That is a significant amount of crime stopped. We all know ice causes violent reactions within the community and rips families apart. 6000 deals off the streets is a significant amount.”

He said officers attached to Idlewild had identified 50 suppliers between the Far South Coast and the Shoalhaven.

“A lot have already been targeted, arrested and are in custody,” he said.

“We will continue until all those 50 people are arrested.

“Communities are the key to such operations. There are people out there who know who are dealing drugs, know something or have knowledge about someone who is supplying drugs. Come forward with that information, it will be confidential and we will act.

“We have the ability to target suppliers in the area. I urge the community to step up and turn the circle on drugs.

“People can feel safe any information given is confidential and anonymous.

“Idlewild was a perfect example of how the community giving us  information can assist in major operations.”

Assistant Commissioner Barrie said police hear tragic stories from families who are trying to look after users the best they can.

“But they have these dealers constantly in their faces trying to push more and more drugs into them,” he said.

“The dealers have no values, all they are worried about is making a dollar for themselves. They are not worried about the users or the communities.

“I encourage every member of the community, no matter how small a piece of information may seem to contacts us.

“Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000  or go on line to report.

“Any little piece of information can be of value to police. It can assist in targeting the dealers who are causing havoc and harm to our communities.

“It is tragic when we visit local communities, no matter if it’s Far West or the city, and see the impact ice is having.

“Both on the individual, in terms of the addiction and users, the impact on health, particularly mental health but also the impact on families and their capacity to have a normal life.”

Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis, has taken a leading role in the battle against methamphetamines, staging local ice forums which led to the the National Ice Taskforce being formed.

“This is a vital campaign in Australia’s fight against ice, but its level of success will depend on the local information received by Crime Stoppers,” she said.

“I urge all local residents to say enough is enough and to rid our streets, parks and neighbourhoods of criminals profiteering from selling ice.

“By reporting local dealers, we’ll help our local communities.”