PUBS and clubs in Tamworth will be taking aim at drug dealers with a new campaign launched on Tuesday.
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The Tamworth Liquor Accord is calling on patrons to dob in a dealer if they suspect someone is dealing, or using, illicit drugs in licensed premises or elsewhere.
Accord chairperson and Longyard hotel publican Ian Dundon said Tamworth’s licensees had a zero-tolerance approach to drug-use and the campaign acknowledged substance abuse was a whole of community issue.
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“Anyone we suspect of using or dealing drugs are already barred from our premises, this initiative is all about stepping up and helping police by targeting dealers on our streets,” Mr Dundon said.
“The Tamworth Liquor Accord has a strong history of implementing strong local solutions to local issues and this is yet another example.”
The Australian Hotel’s Association (AHA) NSW director of liquor and policing, John Green, said drug related arrests had “skyrocketed” five-fold in the last decade in Tamworth.
“Independent Bureau of Crime Statistic and Research (BOCSAR) figures reveal non- domestic assaults in the Tamworth area have fallen by about 56 per cent in and around licensed premises over the last decade,” Mr Green said.
“However, over that same period, arrests for amphetamine use and possession have skyrocketed by 588 per cent and arrests for dealing and trafficking amphetamines are up by a huge 529 per cent.
“‘Dob in a Dealer’ is taking the war on drugs to the next level in the Tamworth community.
“It is a great new initiative by the local Accord and its members should be congratulated.”