Barwon LAC police have launched Operation TORUS this week which calls on the public to provide information directly to the police that will identify drug users, suppliers and receivers of stolen goods active in the community. 

Barwon LAC Acting Superintendent Brett Smith said much had been said and written in recent weeks about perceived levels of drugs and crime.

The disruption of these drug networks across the command is of high priority to local police, he said. 

“Our officers work and live here and have the same desire for a safe and happy community like the majority of residents,” Supt Smith said.

“Drugs, both legal and illegal, have been a growing concern in rural communities in recent years. We call upon those concerned about recent crime to help be our eyes and ears and to be on the look-out for people, who are illegally using and or dealing drugs,” he said.

“There is a clear connection between drug use and other crimes… It is well known that suppliers of drugs and receivers of stolen goods drive crimes such as break and enters and robberies.”

Already this year we have made good detections including results under Strike Force SOFA at Narrabri where five were arrested in relation to the supply of illicit drugs. 

“It is important that the police have the co-operation of the general community to get tough on illegal drug activities and associated break and enters. Recent comments from the community seem to indicate that this is true, so now is the time to act.” 

“All information on drug activities is important to police, no matter how big or small. If you know something, say something.”

When reporting information the more you can provide the better. Do you have information about:

• The person’s appearance and manner?

• Where the person lives, including address, phone numbers, property description, how long they’ve lived there, whether there are children or dangerous dogs, and whether there are firearms or weapons on the property?

• The person’s cars, including registration details?

• The names and address of anyone else involved, as well as how often they come around and what activity you’ve seen between them, such as exchanges of cash or packages?

• What drugs they’re dealing and how you know what they look like or how they’re packaged?

• What times of the day or night do these person/s come around?

Residents can anonymously report drug use by completing the leaflet (in Thursday's Moree Champion) or contacting the Barwon LAC on 6757 0799.