Police ask for help to crack down on dealers, reduce drug harm

From blacked out windows to excessive ventilation, find out what points to drug activity in your neighbourhood.

Authorities are asking the community for help to crack down on drug dealers in regional Victoria.

While those manufacturing and supplying illicit drugs are raking in the profits, the trade continues to have devastating impacts on rural communities – contributing to addictions, crimes such as burglaries and thefts, road trauma, assaults and family violence.

It has sparked Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers Victoria to join forces to launch a ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign, focused on Mildura and Shepparton, to address ongoing drug-related harm in the communities.

The latest crime data, released by the Crime Statistics Agency, reveals that 489 drug-related offences were recorded in Shepparton in the year ending June 2022.

There were 372 drug-related offences recorded in the Mildura area in the same period.

Aiming to target those who profit from illicit drugs, by manufacturing and supplying them, the campaign aims to spread information about what behaviour could point to drug activity.

Mildura Inspector Michelle Young stressed the campaign was not about identifying drug users in the community.

“For some, it is very much a health issue and that will be addressed in other pathways.

“We are targeting those illicit drug traders… that are basically profiting from the misery and vulnerability of others. They’re the ones we are interested in.”

She said it was important to recognise that these people were “living amongst us”.

“They could be those residences where you are seeing cars coming and going at all times of the day and night.

“It may be those people that you are aware are suddenly appearing that their wealth has increased and yet it’s not through hard work or employment.”

Other indicators of crop houses or drug labs can be blacked out windows, excessive ventilation or the noise of fans coming from houses that don’t appear to be occupied.

A chemical smell and hoses leading inside or outside of the house could also indicate a drug lab, while online conversations that seem suspicious, or “coded or cryptic”, could also help police investigate drug manufacturing and supply.

Inspector Young “guaranteed” there were people in the community with information and urged them to come forward.

“We as police understand members of our community will have crucial information relating to the drug trade,” Inspector Young said.

She “strongly” urged the community to “help us help you”.

Shepparton Senior Sergeant Damien Keegan said “drug peddlers” caused the “greatest harm” in the community.

“We see it on a daily basis through our road trauma, through family violence and the disruption in families.”

Crime Stoppers Victoria’s chief executive officer, Stella Smith, encouraged Victorians to report information about drug activity — no matter how small it seemed.

“Everyone has a part to play in making their community safe by sharing what they know about crime.

“This is regardless of how small your tip is. Your information could be the missing piece that assists with an investigation.”

While some people may feel hesitant about coming forward with information, she added that Crime Stoppers was confidential and did not require people to share personal details.

Crime Stoppers and police will attend community events in Shepparton and Mildura to spread awareness of the campaign for the remainder of the year.

Visible signs or suspicions about drug trafficking can be reported to Crime Stoppers. Confidential reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or on 1800 333 000.