Fears of rising crime and methamphetamine labs have prompted NSW and Victorian police to ask the public for help with drug dealers.
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The two-week “dob in a dealer” crackdown targeting manufacturers, dealers and traffickers will be launched by Crime Stoppers on Wednesday.
Police on both sides of the Border relied on tips from the community to catch dealers.
Ice offences were at an all-time high in Wodonga.
Dob in a dealer contributed to a 133 per cent increase in reports to Crime Stoppers in Wodonga during a two-week campaign in March.
This is the first time the campaign will be rolled out in Albury.
NSW statistics showed use and possession of amphetamine, including ice, increased by more than 30 per cent in 2015.
Albury Acting Superintendent Evan Quarmby said clandestine labs posed a real threat to the community.
“Many drugs like ice are in fact manufactured in the filthiest of environments – run-down units, houses and factories polluted with leaking chemicals, toxic cutting agents and dirty equipment,” he said.
“This important campaign reiterates the fact that while police can’t be on every street corner, together with the community we can make a real difference to where and how these drugs are manufactured and distributed.
“Make no mistake – prohibited drugs are produced by money-hungry criminals.”
Wodonga Acting Inspector Kate Chamberlain said any small or seemingly insignificant detail could help police.
“The issues that stem from the manufacture and supply of illicit drugs can cross geographical boundaries,” she said.
“The devastating impacts of drugs don’t discriminate by location, age or gender.”
Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Sam Hunter appealed to everyone to work together.
“Too many of us know someone affected by ice and other illicit drugs, and the devastating impact the substances continue to have on individuals, families and the wider community,” she said.
