Pubdate: Tue, 25 Feb 2003
Source: West Australian (Australia)
Copyright: 2003 West Australian Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.thewest.com.au
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495
Author: Pamela Magill

DOB-IN DAY TO FIGHT DRUGS

DRUG dealers who make their living out of other people's misery will be the
target of WA's first dob-in-a-drug-dealer day on Thursday.

Assistant Police Commissioner (crime) Mel Hay said people should report
anyone dealing or producing drugs by phoning Crime Stoppers between 7am and
11pm on 1800 333 000.

All callers can remain anonymous and information is treated confidentially.

Mr Hay said people might have seen tell-tale signs in their street or
neighbourhood - unusual comings and goings of vehicles, unusual smells or
odours from a house, blackened windows or suspicious exchanges of money were
some indicators of drug activity.

Since 1995, drugs worth more than $26 million had been seized as a result of
information to Crime Stoppers.

Police had uncovered between 17 and 20 clandestine laboratories this year.

Mr Hay said the heroin problem had declined.  There had been no heroin
deaths this year compared to 11 last year, 36 the year before and 80 the
year before that.

The main problem now was amphetamine.

Crime Stoppers turned eight yesterday.
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