This week they launched their latest anti-drug campaign ‘Take a Stand Against Drugs’ and officers are urging the community to contact them next week regarding any local cultivating, processing and sale of cannabis.

Rural crime investigator Detective Senior Constable Archie French is urging people with information about local drug issues to call him directly at Cootamundra Police Station next Tuesday or Wednesday between 5pm and 9pm on 6942 0060, 6942 0061, 6942 0062 and 6942 0063.

“We are asking people living in rural areas to keep a look out for people or vehicles travelling around remote areas such as state forests, national parks and private properties, especially those carrying items such as water tanks, mesh netting, fertiliser and car tyres,” Detective Senior Constable French said.

“Bush walkers, game council hunters and recreational users are asked to let us know about possible crop sites indicated by fenced off areas, water pipes, generators, cannabis plants and camp sites,” he added.

Detective Senior Constable French called on the community to be aware of people growing cannabis hydroponically in houses and sheds in rural or urban areas.

He said evidence something may be amiss includes lights being on for long periods, covered windows, unusual smells and a large number of people and vehicles coming and going from the premises.

He stressed that if potential cannabis growing locations are identified people should record where these areas are and inform Police as soon as possible.

“Under no circumstances are people to approach suspected areas or people,” Detective Senior Constable French said.

This latest anti-drug campaign follows a successful program under the same title last year, which followed the same principle of asking for the public’s help.

The concept was so successful it was reborn as ‘Take a Stand Against Rural Crime’ last year also.

Detective Senior Constable French said people may be hesitant to nominate possible suspects but seemingly insignificant information, when combined with other information from the public, can provide Police with critical evidence that result in arrests.

All information received will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Alternatively people can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.