REWARD TO 'DOB IN A DRUGGIE'

LOCAL police are running a month-long campaign to encourage members
of the public to dob in a drug dealer as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass
festival approaches.

With the success of past years behind them, police are offering up to
$1000 for any information that leads to a conviction.

"We're running it as a proactive campaign," Richmond LAC crime
manager Insp Steve Clarke said.

"It's been very successful in the past.

"We've had people come forward because there's a lot of people within
the community who are affected by illicit drugs and the illicit drug trade.

"When we run these campaigns we tend to get an increase in reports,
which is good."

Nimbin's annual MardiGrass festival, aimed in part at overturning the
prohibition on cannabis, is scheduled to be held over the weekend of
May 2 and 3.

Insp Clarke would not link the 'Dob In A Dealer' campaign
specifically to the festival, but said the Northern Rivers had its
fair share of drug-related crime.

"Like most of the North Coast, we experience our share of drug
dealing and this is just another way for us to try to target it," he said.

The campaign is not just focused on cannabis either.

"Everything. We're targeting all forms of illicit drugs," Insp Clarke said.

It has been three years since the Richmond LAC last conducted a 'Dob
In A Dealer' campaign.

Police are encouraging anyone with information about dealers, growers
or suppliers to contact 1800 333 000.

Callers can remain anonymous if they wish.

Should the information lead to an arrest and conviction, the member
of the public can receive up to $1000 in reward money.

Last year, the MardiGrass festival attracted a crowd of about 15,000 people.

Police apprehended 80 of them, most for drug-related offences. But
many received just a caution.