Following a spike in drug related crime, local police are cracking down on drugs in the Buloke region, targeting suppliers and traffickers in particular, in an effort to reduce the negative impact drugs make on the wider community.

Charlton’s Senior Constable Will Ringin relocated to the area around a year ago, and has integrated well within his new community.

“It is such a great place to live!” he said. “I don’t want to see it affected negatively by drugs.”

Coming from Warrnambool’s Drug Investigation Unit, Will brings with him a fighting passion as well as particular skills and experience to deliver results in a rural setting.

In Will’s experience, drug abuse takes its toll on everyone, from the user to their loved ones/family and friends. It affects mental health, employment, personal safety and road safety and shows a direct link to the increase of domestic violence and poverty.

Crimes such as vehicular theft, home and business burglary, breakins and other such crimes of opportunity also increase with drug activity present in an area. The damage that comes from illegal drugs in a community cannot truly be measured.

In close knit communities such as those within Buloke Shire, those effects can be even more acutely felt. However, the same communities also hold a certain power that city counterparts are lacking… because they are so closely knit.

A smaller population means it is easier to recognise when someone is doing the wrong thing. And many of those doing the wrong thing are brought to justice through reports from other members of the community. Information to Crime Stoppers Victoria has resulted in over 29,000 arrests and the seizure of over $427 million of drugs, property, and cash.

Search warrant

Following a Crime Stoppers report, in April 2024, a Drugs Poisons Controlled Substances Act Search Warrant was executed locally on a person of interest at a Wycheproof residence, wherein Police located 15 grams of Methyl Amphetamine, 20 grams of Cannabis and 3 Cannabis Plants. The person of interest was bailed to a court date in July following charges of Traffick Cannabis, Traffick Meth and Cultivate Cannabis.

In May 2024 this person was located in the Bendigo CBD and was subsequently searched by police to be found in possession of 15 grams of methyl amphetamine and various deal bags.

Police applied to the Bendigo magistrate’s court to revoke the person of interest’s bail, resulting in a plea of guilty and a sentence of 2 months imprisonment (a large sentence given the lack of criminal priors).

As a result police seized 30 grams of methyl amphetamine, 20 grams of cannabis and 3 cannabis plants (with an approximate street value of $15,000); all of this the result of an initial Crime Stoppers report.

Signs

Stella Smith, Chief Executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria said there were several signs Victorians could be on the lookout for to alert police to drug activity. “It may be a house with cars visiting at unusual times or an individual with unexplained expensive items.”

If something appears suspicious, it usually is, but some signs are clearer than others: Suspicious items, such as improvised heating and cooling machines; an unusual chemical smell; fan noise; people never putting their rubbish out or burning their rubbish; little traffic at a property during the day but frequent traffic at night; windows blackened out or reinforced.

Potential signs that your neighbour might be dealing drugs include: having too many visitors, noting how many new faces keep going to the property and making quick visits; living a good life despite not having a job – it could be a sign of getting money from illegal sources; having a house that looks suspicious including black out window covers on all the time, high fences blocking the view, and smells coming from the house; leaving drug related items around the property – if you see syringes and small plastic bags in the area, consider it a red flag. You should also be worried if you notice chemical containers in your neighbour’s trash.

“Everyone has a part to play in making their community safe by sharing what they know about crime,” Chief Executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria, Stella Smith, said.

“This is regardless of how small your tip is. Your information could be the missing piece that assists with an investigation.

“We understand the concern people may feel when coming forward with information. We want to remind the community that Crime Stoppers is a confidential crime reporting service that does not require any personal details.”

Reports from the public can greatly assist police in the fight against drug related crime. If you recognise any suspicious activity near you, you can raise your concerns with the police, either by reporting locally through the known and trusted officers in your town, or if you’d prefer a more anonymous approach, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone or online (131444 or crimestoppersvic.com.au).

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 25 June 2024.