BELLINGEN is at the forefront of a new campaign which calls on the community to ‘join the fight’ against the drug crystal methamphetamine, better known as ice.
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The shire is one of seven communities targetted in the state-wide campaign, due to the high prevalence of ice-related crime.
Ice use in Bellingen has risen dramatically in recent years with arrest rates for amphetamine (including methamphetamine) related offences also increasing.
In 2014, 31 people were arrested for amphetamine use or possession in Bellingen, compared to only four people in 2013.
The police state-wide advertising campaign was unveiled last week by Police Minister, Troy Grant, along with NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and NSW Crime Stoppers CEO Peter Price.
Print and online advertisements will be used to urge community members to help police shutdown ice manufacturing and dealing operations by using the Crime Stoppers hotline to alert authorities to suspicious behaviour. Reports can be made anonymously.
Other areas being targetted are Newcastle, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Orange, Goulburn and Moree.
Local Area Commander Superintendent Mark Holohan said police can not tackle the epidemic on their own.
“Ice is a highly addictive and extremely dangerous drug that is having devastating impact on individuals, families and communities right across NSW,” Supt Mark Holohan said.
“Ice doesn’t discriminate – it doesn’t matter where you are from or what your social circumstance is, if you start taking this drug your life is going to be seriously compromised.
“Just as ice destroys lives in our cities and suburbs, it destroys lives in country communities too.
“Far too many families in Bellingen and surrounds are having to deal with the unrelenting havoc this horrible drug wreaks.
“Officers across the entirety of the NSW Police Force are working together to combat the ice scourge. Regional and rural commands are working closely with colleagues in the drug squad, as well as local community groups, to tackle the use and supply of Ice in country towns.
“Quite simply, we are committed to doing everything we can to stop this poison from destroying more lives, but we cannot do this alone.
“Dozens of people in Bellingen and surrounds are doing their bit to help police get ice and other drugs out of our community, and we’re encouraging more people to join the fight.
“Please do not underestimate the immensely positive impact one anonymous call to Crime Stoppers can make.
“If you have any information about ice supply in Bellingen or surrounding areas, please contact Crime Stoppers.”
Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, welcomed the campaign, and encouraged residents to get involved. She said ice had a horrific impact on the social fabric of communities across the shire.
“A hashtag to promote the campaign has been set up and I urge community groups and the public to get on board and participate in the campaign by tweeting or posting with #reportice,” Mrs Pavey said.
Assistant Minister for Health, Pru Goward, said: “The Government as part of our election commitment, will introduce harsher penalties for ice dealers and will provide increased treatment programs for those who fall into its grip.”
