Crime Stoppers Australia has initiated a nationwide campaign aimed at exposing organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit drug trade. The campaign provides a platform for individuals to anonymously share information on these criminal networks, offering them a lifeline without compromising their personal safety.
Dr Vince Hughes, Chair of Crime Stoppers Australia, emphasised the high consumption of illicit drugs among Australians, making it a highly profitable market for criminal networks such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, cartels, triads, and Italian organised crime. The illicit drug trade is estimated to be worth over $10 billion per year, with profits often used to fund other illegal activities, such as human trafficking and sexual servitude.
Dr Hughes highlighted the significant impact of drugs on Australian families, with 1 in 10 people being victims of drug-related incidents, and many more affected indirectly due to the associated health and social costs. Crime Stoppers aims to provide an alternative for those unwilling to deal directly with the police, allowing them to share information anonymously without risking their safety.
The 6-month campaign, funded by the Australian Government through a $3.55 million Proceeds of Crime Act grant, has been developed in consultation with police, industry groups, and other law enforcement agencies. The campaign also targets the transport, freight, and logistics sectors, as these are often exploited by organised crime groups to import and distribute illicit drugs.
Extensive advertising will support the campaign, alongside community and industry events delivered by Crime Stoppers across Australia. The organisation hopes to disrupt domestic drug markets and the national and international supply chains, using seized criminal assets to tackle organised crime head-on.
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