NSW Police and Crime Stoppers has again launched the “Dob in a Dealer” state-wide Commonwealth-funded campaign will be held in 14 locations across NSW, with the South Coast Police District joining on February 12.

Local residents will be urged to contact Crime Stoppers, to report drug-dealing activities with all information treated in the strictest of confidence, police said.

“We know from history that public support helps police intervene in criminal activity and disrupt organised crime gangs who are responsible for the manufacture and supply of these drugs,” Crime Stoppers NSW CEO Peter Price AM said at the campaign launch.

“When this campaign was first launch in 2016, reports to Crime Stoppers about drug related activity increased by 126 per cent.

“We don’t want to know who you are, we just want to know what you know. 

“Anything you have seen or heard that could relate to the import, manufacture or supply of illicit drugs and help police bring those responsible to justice,” he said.

Police and Crime Stoppers will conduct intensive community engagement activities to highlight the importance of the campaign. 

Data from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commissioner’s National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program illustrate the ongoing “ice” problem across the country, police said.

“In the last year, cocaine consumption in NSW has increased, almost doubling in Sydney. NSW also has the highest recorded heroin usage in Australia,” NSW Police said.

The campaign was launched in Tweed Heads on January 3.

Tweed/Byron Police District Commander, Acting Superintendent Brendon Cullen said illicit drugs remain of serious concern to the community, particularly in areas where it has taken hold and is seriously impacting the lives of people who live there.

“Our officers see the impact of illicit drugs in the community on a daily basis and police, together with the community, want it to stop,” A/Supt Cullen said.

“The message we want to share today is that the community can help police stem the flow of drugs by providing confidential information about those involved in the manufacture and supply.

“Members of the public should not feel bad about dobbing in drug dealers as they do not care about you or your family, they do not care if people become addicted, commit crimes to feed their habit, or overdose and die – they only care about the money they can make.”

Minister for Police Troy Grant said he understands “people may have reservations for fear of repercussions in reporting this type of activity to police”, and said any information provided would be “in confidence”.

“There are often some tell-tale signs if a home is being used as a drug house, such as lights on at all hours of the day and night, cars and people arriving at odd times, or large drums and other equipment being disposed of at the property,” he said.

“This is all about making our communities safer places for residents and their families. Any piece of information could help police in their fight against this scourge, so if you know something, say something.”