NORTH East police chief Dave Ryan has followed up the release of the region’s latest crime statistics with a plea to the community to consider changing its view on drug dealing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Inspector Ryan says those living in our towns and cities have the ability to help counter the drug scourge and put those responsible for dealing before the courts if they let authorities know what they know.
He says rather than turning a blind eye to those who supply drugs, people need to speak up about what they know and reject the idea that taking drugs, or selling them, is socially acceptable.
Inspector Ryan said a similar cultural change has seen drink-driving, once considered as acceptable by many people, particularly the young, rejected by the wider community.
He said public information was key to police dismantling a major drug syndicates in Wangaratta last year and in 2012.
The work being undertaken by the Rotary Club of Wangaratta in hosting a free information night next week is also imperative to the fight against drugs.
The event follows a previous Rotary meeting calling for additional rehabilitation facilities in the region.