The Chronicle

Dob in drug ‘parasites’

Dealers in sights of campaign

- TARA MIKO tara.miko@thechronic­le.com.au

TOOWOOMBA is being urged to dob in the “parasites” preying on the vulnerable as they peddle drugs in the community.

Crime Stoppers yesterday launched its Dob in a Dealer campaign which encourages residents to report suspicions they have about drug dealing, use or production in their areas.

The second round of the successful program, and the community’s ongoing support of Crime Stoppers, has yielded strong results but as drug use continues in the region, more informatio­n is needed.

Southern Region Assistant Commission­er Mike Condon said informatio­n supplied to police through Crime Stoppers had led to hundreds of charges filed against alleged drug offenders in the past two months alone.

Among those charged are alleged drug trafficker­s.

“These drug dealers are parasites that feed off people who are vulnerable and in most cases that leads to injury or death or some sort of harm inside the family unit,” he said.

More than $55,000 in drugs was seized in Toowoomba through informatio­n supplied to Crime Stoppers last year.

More than half of all calls to the tip-line in Queensland, which can be used anonymousl­y, related to methamphet­amine, or ice.

Dob in a Dealer is a nationwide program funded by the Federal Government geared toward stopping the supply chain of illicit drugs such as ice, cocaine, MDMA, heroin and marijuana.

Police Minister Mark Ryan urged the community to use the service to rid the streets of drugs and illicit substances.

Crime Stoppers is a volunteer-based organisati­on which receives informatio­n from the community and passes it on to investigat­ing authoritie­s.

Reporters can remain anonymous.

“You don’t have to have the

complete story,” Crime Stoppers Queensland CEO Trevor O’Hara said.

“Your small piece of informatio­n could be the missing piece of the puzzle.”

 ?? Photo: Tara Miko ?? SPEAK UP: Launching the Dob in a Dealer campaign are (from left) Police Minister Mark Ryan, Crime Stoppers Queensland general manager Jonathon Cowley and Southern Region Assistant Commission­er Mike Condon.
Photo: Tara Miko SPEAK UP: Launching the Dob in a Dealer campaign are (from left) Police Minister Mark Ryan, Crime Stoppers Queensland general manager Jonathon Cowley and Southern Region Assistant Commission­er Mike Condon.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia