Coffs Coast residents urged to dob in a dealer

[Dragonfan]

The Coffs Coast Advocate

23 October 2008

Craig Mctear

THE war against illegal drugs in the Nambucca Valley and further afield continues to rage.

To that end, Mid North Coast local area command police urge local residents to 'dob in a dealer' in a bid to tackle the supply and distribution of drugs.

Operation Panelling was established in December last year to investigate the commercial cultivation and supply of cannabis in the area.

Police have since dismantled a highly-organised syndicate allegedly involved in the cultivation and supply of cannabis across the region, and have made numerous arrests.

Investigators regularly execute search warrants in the Nambucca Valley in connection with drug-related activity, and they've also been focusing on the Hastings, Manning and Oxley areas.

To date, investigators have seized more than 1400 cannabis plants, almost 200kg of cannabis leaf, and cash. It is estimated the potential street value of the seized drugs is more than $4 million.

Mid North Coast local area commander, Superintendent Paul Fehon, said the results so far had been pleasing, but the community had to play a greater role in helping catch criminals.

“It has become somewhat of a cliche, but the public really is our eyes and ears in the community,” Mr Fehon said. “Information provided by members of the public really is one of the most effective investigative tools police have.”

He said police were committed to detecting and stamping-out drug-related crime.

“But the fight is far from over and police will continue their work to stop drugs hitting the streets,” Mr Fehon said. “Police are appealing for residents to report any suspected drug activity to their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and can be eligible for rewards of up to $1000 for information leading to an arrest.

I s'pose while they're targeting 'commercial' growers they MIGHT be leaving 'home' growers alone . . . mmm. but how well do YOU know YOUR neighbours?

[WantDaChronic]

people only ask for help when they really need it.

police on the other hand are the biggest, baddest gang going around in australia, well so they'd like to believe anyway if the piggies are asking for help, it basically means they are unable to continue doing their job and cant justify their funding

[Rocker]

Well said WantDaChronic.

 

As I keep saying there are enough real criminals out there to keep the police busy for decades.

There are numerous unsolved crimes committed by rapists, murderers, abductors and psychopaths just waiting for some serious detective work.

These hundreds of crimes obviously lie in 'too hard baskets' while the cops hunt down some poor bugger with a couple of cannabis plants.

[PiGMaN]

I grew up just 20min south of Coffs in the late 80s-early90s.

When the holiday seasons were over it was hard to earn a $ the dole was all we had unless you dealed in the Marajuana trade,no locals are gonna dob in a dealer arround there the marajuana sold arround there is a vital source of the economy that benefits not just the local grower an dealer but it effects the dude who runs the local takeaway food store.

Be a shame to see an end to the locally grown pot from that part of the east coast,to this day i still believe some of the best weed ive smoked has come from arround Nambucca.