That’s the message for drug dealers on the South Coast.

South Coast Police District Commander, Superintendent Steve Hegarty launched the “Dob in a Dealer” campaign in Nowra on Monday.

The new state-wide campaign, funded by the Commonwealth Government, is aimed at stopping Australia’s supply of illicit drugs including methylamphetamine (ice), cocaine, MDMA, heroin and cannabis.

The campaign is being held in 14 locations across NSW, aimed at mobilising members of the public in the fight against illicit drugs.

“The campaign is designed to encourage members of the public to come forward with any information that can assist us in identifying any drug networks, any people selling, supplying or manufacturing drugs in the area,” Supt Hegarty said.

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The 2019 launch comes hot on the heels of last week’s success of Strike Force Royden, where three people were arrested and charged in the Shoalhaven, over the alleged supply of illegal drugs and prescription medications, valued at $17 million.

“Strike Force Royden was a very successful operation, where a very sophisticated network allegedly used the dark web to sell drugs - not just on the South Coast but across Australia,” Supt Hegarty said.

“It’s been identified as one of the largest networks seen in NSW and possibly Australia.

“The launch of ‘Dob in a Dealer’ is about reminding people who have information to assist us to identify these people.

“It’s surprising how many times some people sit on the fence and when an operation is over say ‘I possibly had information that could have helped police’.

“Any information, no matter how small is a help.

“You can’t underestimate how positive some of the information is that can lead to search warrants or establishing strike forces.

“Any informational is good information.”

He said the operation was not targeting a specific drug but all drugs.

“Drugs NSW and Australia wide is a major problem, not just for police but the community,” he said.

“Drug dealers and people who manufacture drugs make a lot of money on the misery of families and the community.

“Ultimately it is the community who pays the ultimate sacrifice through the loss of loved ones - the misery of being unemployed, having no money and the cycle starts there

“We will not be pinpointing one specific drug - all drugs are bad and that’s why we enforce the law on all drugs.

“We have had excellent operations in Strike Force Shot Put, Royden and Dashie, all successful. During those operations we have been able to network a lot of criminals we have been able to secure and charge for a multiple amount of drugs including amphetamines, MDMA, cannabis and other drugs.”

Crime Stoppers director Rob Forsyth said the number of reports received to the national call centre relating to drugs and dealers had doubled since 2016.

“Some locals might have fears they might be identified during their call,” he said “this is a national call centre and confidentiality is assured.

“People are reporting dealers who bring drugs into your community.

“This is your community and it’s your call. We want the people of Nowra to rise up against the people who are bringing drugs and organised crime into the area, taking the money and health and putting your community at risk.”

Apart from information provided by the public he said another tool giving invaluable insight into the drug scene across the country was the National Wastewater Program.

“Sewage is being analysed for signs of drugs by suburb, town, region,” he said.

“We can see the rise and fall of certain drugs in a community.

“As the wastewater program rolls out we can spot new drugs coming to areas - we can identify the DNA of where those drugs are coming from. Hospitals can plan better for admissions and overdoses. Ambulance paramedics can be better protected against drugs in use in the community.

“But is all starts with information.”

If you think you have information about someone in your community who is manufacturing or supplying drugs, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 for a confidential conversation, or report securely online at www.crimestoppers.com.au.