SW ice drug use ‘epidemic’

South West residents are being urged to join the fight against the drug epidemic sweeping the region.

Crime Stoppers WA officially launched its two-week intensive Dob in a Dealer campaign in Bunbury last week.

The organisation gathers information for WA police to help fight the drug scourge.

Helping to launch the campaign yesterday, South West Superintendent Mick Sutherland said the methamphetamine problem in the region was a major concern.

“I think it’s an epidemic here in the South West – it’s out of control,” Supt Sutherland said.

He said providing information through Crime Stoppers was important and the campaign would help the fight against drugs.

“The information from the public is a high priority for us to get enough evidence to do a search warrant,” he said.

“We can only continue to target those people dealing drugs in the community with the help of the public.”

During March and April, South West police executed more than 90 search warrants targeting drugs.

Crime Stoppers WA statistics for the South West reveal 429 drug trafficking offences were reported or became known to police in the 2014-15 financial year.

As of March 31 this year, 271 drug trafficking offences have been reported.

Bunbury City Council is also supporting the campaign, with Deputy Mayor Brendan Kelly warning drug dealers will be targeted.

“You might be otherwise respectable, but if you are buying and selling ice you are not wanted here,” Cr Kelly said. “You are affecting our community and you are des-pised for what you are doing.”

Crime Stoppers chief executive Kim Harrison said the organisation was seeing results from the campaign, which had already begun in Karratha, Geraldton and Northam.

“Certainly in Karratha and Geraldton the number of reports from the public has increased by 50 to 60 per cent and we believe that theme will continue in Bunbury,” he said.

Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to report a dealer.