ICE is fast becoming a growing epidemic in rural communities with Member for New England Barnaby Joyce acknowledging the threat as he set off on a short tour of the region.
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Mr Joyce was on the road to spruik the national ‘dob in a dealer’ campaign and took time to meet with Tenterfield Police yesterday.
“Ice is a dirty drug. No class – the druggy version of picking your nose and eating it,” Mr Joyce said.
“We’ve got to get the public involved. If you see something wrong you’re not being a prude if you go ‘look, I’m going to call about that’.
“If you’re right and don’t do something and somebody ends up on ice and dies, you’ll never forgive yourself.
“If you saw a mad bull in the street would you ring someone or are you just going to pass it,” he said.
The nationwide campaign is a welcome initiative according to Senior Constable Chris Jordan, Crime Prevention Officer for the New England.
“This drug has serious consequences on families as well as the wider community,” Senior Constable Jordan said.
“Whether you’re from Kentucky in the South, Tenterfield in the North, Ebor in the East or Yetman in the West, we strongly encourage members of the community right across the New England to report any information they might have regarding ‘ice dealers’ and their activities.
“Your local police are as eager to put ice dealers away as you are, however the community are important allies in this fight.
“The fight against ice can only be effective when the community and law enforcement agencies work together and I encourage people whether they live in Guyra, Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Inverell or Armidale to report any information they might have that could assist police in this fight,” he said.
The campaign will be rolled out in consultation with the states and territories but all instances of crime or suspicious behaviour can be reported to Crime Stoppers now on 1800 333 000.
