Crime Stoppers calls time on regional drug networks

Posted on 01/12/2025

Crime Stoppers South Australia has launched a new campaign targeting organised crime networks manufacturing and moving drugs through regional towns – urging locals to share what they know safely and anonymously.

Crime Stoppers South Australia CEO, Nigel Smart, said the Regional Illicit Drugs Campaign – “They’ll Never Know” supports SA Police efforts to disrupt the manufacturing and trafficking of illicit drugs, particularly across key regional transport routes.

“We know that illicit drugs are being made, moved and sold throughout regional communities, and those behind it are getting rich while families and towns pay the price,” Mr Smart said.

“These aren’t small-time players. They’re organised suppliers using established freight routes, industrial sheds and local properties as part of a much bigger network. They rely on silence – and when locals speak up, even one small detail can help stop them.”

Running throughout the summer period, the campaign reinforces the trusted Crime Stoppers message “They’ll Never Know” to remind people that information can be shared anonymously about the illicit drug trade.

“You don’t have to share your name. Your call isn’t traced, and the IP address of any device you may use isn’t logged,” Mr Smart said. “If something doesn’t look right – if you suspect drugs are being made, sold or transported – we want you to tell us anonymously.”

Mr Smart said the campaign highlights the human and economic cost of drug trafficking in regional communities, supporting SA Police efforts to disrupt the supply chain — the people who make, move and profit from illicit drugs.

“Every piece of information we receive through Crime Stoppers plays a critical role in helping police to connect the intelligence dots and take action,” he said. “When people speak up about what they’ve seen, heard or know about illicit drug activity, they’re helping to cut off that money flow, stem the harm caused to local communities and disrupt organised crime at its source.”

Officer in Charge Serious and Organised Crime Branch, Detective Superintendent Shane Addison, said law enforcement across Australia has a significant impact on supply, creating windows of opportunity for demand reduction strategies to have an effect.

“High end domestic manufacture of illicit drugs are becoming more sophisticated, with serious and organised crime groups taking advantage of a broader range of chemicals and sophisticated equipment,” Superintendent Addison said.

“Through gathering important information from the public we can disrupt the drug market and suppress these threats to our community.”

The campaign includes:

• Geofenced social media advertising;
• Variable Message Signs (VMS) along major transport routes;
• Community activations in partnership with SAPOL

KEY FACTS

• South Australia records some of the highest levels of drug activity in the country, especially across regional areas.
• The campaign supports SAPOL’s efforts to disrupt the illicit drug trade, including drug manufacturing, transport and supply.
• The focus is on illicit drugs manufacturers, traffickers and dealers – not users.
• Reports to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously – no names, no records, no court.
• Information provided through Crime Stoppers is passed to police and assists investigations and intelligence development.

If you’ve seen something that doesn’t feel right – a suspicious property, unusual freight movements or drug sales – share what you know by calling 1800 333 000 or go online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au

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