Phone In Day – Friday, 19 November 2010

Tasmania Police will join law enforcement agencies across Australia, and all state and territory Crime Stoppers programs, in a nationwide offensive against illegal drugs.

People are being asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline on Operation Unification day, Friday November 19, if they have any information about the importation, manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs particularly amphetamines.

This is the first time police and Crime Stoppers have adopted a single national approach to fighting drugs.

“Nationally, there has been a marked increase in the number of clandestine drug laboratories identified by police in recent years. Whilst Tasmania has not seen the same level of detections as other jurisdictions, Tasmania Police has located active clandestine laboratories during 2010,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

“The chemicals used in illicit drug manufacture are toxic, as are many of the by-products of the manufacturing process. This creates substantial risk to those involved in the production, as well as to nearby residents and those who later occupy premises used for the production of these drugs,” said Mr Hine.

Current Australian Crime Commission data places the cost of illicit drugs at over $10 billion annually in social costs, which include the cost of hospitalisation and rehabilitation from public violence, death and injury including lost days at work. Added to this is the actual cost of the illicit drugs themselves.

“Tasmania Police have increased their focus on the production of illicit drugs within this State, but we rely on assistance from the public. A vigilant community is a very effective first line in the war on drugs in society,” said Mr Hine.

“We know that Crime Stoppers has proven beneficial in providing police with the information necessary to assist in solving a wide variety of crimes and this is an excellent opportunity for the public to assist police in identifying and dismantling these labs,” said the Chairman of Crime Stoppers Tasmania, Brian Aherne.

Mr Aherne said the Operation Unification campaign culminates in the ‘phone-in day’ on Friday, 19th November.

Operation Unification includes nation wide advertisements alerting communities to the telltale signs of clandestine laboratories, including:

• Unusual or ‘chemical’ odours coming from premises
• Chemical containers, glassware or related items at premises
• Unusual types or quantities of rubbish on a property
• Premises with blackened out windows (including blinds/curtains constantly drawn) and fortification
• Visitors attending premises carrying large containers or unusual items, or
• Frequent visitors attending premises at unusual times.

Members of the public are asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information that may assist Tasmania Police.

Tasmania Police Media
6230 2296