Crime Stoppers Victoria teams up with Echuca police in illicit drug crackdown
Echuca Police and Crime Stoppers Victoria have joined forces in a bid to crack down on the illegal drug trade by urging those who see something to say something.
Crime Stoppers is currently conducting its National Illicit Drugs Campaign which asks those linked to the drug trade to make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers.
Victoria Police Inspector David Bowler said it was important to protect border communities such as Echuca from being targeted by Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCGs) and other organised drug syndicates.
In March, Victoria Police and NSW Police combined to conduct Operation Blue Ember, a four-day cross-border blitz which led to the arrest of 27 people allegedly linked to OMCGs and the drug trade.
“We know that the consequences of drug use in the community can be devastating, leading to assaults, thefts fuelled by addiction, and tragic incidents of innocent lives lost due to drug-impaired drivers,” Insp Bowler said.
“Our message to organised crime groups and their associates is clear – you cannot hide in rural Victoria. Regardless of your whereabouts or how you operate, we will focus our efforts on those engaged in the manufacturing and trafficking of illicit substances, ensuring they are held accountable for their actions.”
“While we have a strong understanding about the key players in the drug trade, we recognize the power of community involvement in dismantling these operations and safeguarding our community from harm,” he said.
Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith said organised drug syndicates were becoming more and more sophisticated, with police seizing significant amounts of drugs arriving from overseas on an almost weekly basis.
She said those in the drug trade often reach a point where they feel in over their head and have threats of violence made to them or their families – with Crime Stoppers offering them a lifeline to anonymously share what they know.
“If you’re in over your head or looking for a way out, if you make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers, the people making those threats will never know it was you who saved yourself,” she said.
Employees involved in industries targeted by organised crime, such as the freight, logistics and security industries, are also being urged to make a report to Crime Stoppers if they see suspicious activity.
“These industries are being increasingly targeted by organised crime and we’re asking anyone who sees anything suspicious to make a report to Crime Stoppers,” Ms Smith said.
“Suspicious activity could include large shipments being paid for in cash, to colleagues becoming secretive, interested in unauthorised areas or showing off extravagant items.
“Any piece of information could ultimately lead to more arrests and a safer community.”
If you see something, say something!
Find out more and see our campaign videos here.