Ice labs shut, drug dealers arrested and guns seized

Posted on 24/01/2019

Information provided to Crime Stoppers SA by South Australians during the Make the Call campaign has delivered major results and significantly disrupted the local drug trade – with five clandestine labs shut down, 59 people apprehended and eight firearms seized.

Of the nearly 4,200 reports made to the not-for-profit organisation during the 6-month campaign, more than 1100 were specifically ice-related.

Crime Stoppers South Australia Chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said: “When we launched the 6-month Make the Call campaign in February 2018 we anticipated strong results, but what has been achieved has surpassed all expectations and sends the clear message that the community will not sit idly by and let drug dealers peddle their illegal trade unchallenged.”

“Many people contacted Crime Stoppers using the option of anonymity to provide information that sparked a number of raids and investigations right across the Adelaide metropolitan and regional areas, resulting in illegal drugs and precursor chemicals being seized, as well as Fantasy, Amphetamine, GHB, and Cannabis,” Ms Hanlon said.

“An arsenal of weapons was also discovered which included firearms, tasers, knives, and batons, as well as a treasure trove of stolen property and cash. Some information reports have given police significant intelligence holdings to action immediately, while others have formed part of longer-term investigations,” she said.

“Whether it is in a regional or metropolitan setting, we know that all too often drug dealers are operating their illicit trade in full sight of the community, but people have taken advantage of this opportunity to hold them to account and disrupt the local supply.”

The campaign, which was part-funded by a $200,000 State Government grant, was launched in February 2018 in response to waste water analysis which suggested the use of methamphetamine in South Australia had tripled over a 5-year period in South Australia.

In addition to a series of roadshows across key regional locations campaign materials were produced in Mandarin, Vietnamese and Arabic to engage non-English speaking communities too. Print, radio, TV and social media advertising is estimated to have reached more than 1 million South Australians, enhanced through several community service announcements aired in partnership with Crime Stoppers SA’s media partner, 9 News Adelaide.

Key campaign results include:

• Roadshows in Murray Bridge, Riverland, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier;
• 4193 contacts received or illicit drugs  (1126 specifically related to amphetamines) and 983 actions issued for investigation;
• 28 persons were arrested and 31 reported for a range of offences;
• Five clandestine laboratories located  and 480g of methamphetamine, 7,484mls of fantasy seized, along with cannabis, cocaine, LSD, cannabis oil and prescription medications;
• Eight firearms, ammunition, tasers, batons, knives and an arsenal of other weapons located;
• Nearly $80,000 seized, and property located including phones, jewellery, electronics, tools and bikes.

“While not every contact that we receive necessarily results in an immediate apprehension, every piece of information can make a difference by advancing an investigation or providing intelligence that can be passed to police and further explored by investigators,” Ms Hanlon said.

“With an average of 25 crimes solved every week and more than 32,000 crimes solved since Crime Stoppers began in South Australia as a direct result of information provided by the community, this is a highly effective program that makes SA a far safer place.”

“Our thanks go to the community for their trust in sharing what they know, SA Police for acting on information received, and for the State Government for its financial contribution.”

The Minister for Police, the Hon. Corey Wingard MP said: “Crime Stoppers are an important cog in keeping South Australian communities safe. The information they have received has led to hundreds of arrests and the Liberal State Government will continue to support Crime Stoppers to carry out their role in helping to bring those inclined to break the law to face justice.”

The Make the Call. Cut the Supply. Stop the Hurt campaign – launched in partnership with the State Government and SA Police – encouraged people to provide anonymous information about drug dealers and manufacturers.

Any information about criminals or criminal activity can be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or making a report at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

People can remain anonymous and rewards are available.

About Crime Stoppers SA

Crime Stoppers began in South Australia in 1996 and since then has played a critical role in encouraging people to come forward with information that helps to solve crimes and educate on topics such as property and personal safety, vehicle theft, and cyber safety.

The program encourages people to be alert and engaged participants in their community and provides a secure way for information about illegal activity and unsolved crimes to be passed to police through an independent toll-free hotline and a website that guarantees anonymity with the option of a reward. Crime Stoppers SA works with police, the media and the public to solve, reduce and prevent crime.

More about Crime Stoppers SA can be found at https://crimestopperssa.com.au  

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