Minister Shortall launches the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing partnership with Crimestoppers

Róisín Shortall, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, today (Tuesday 22nd May 2012) launched the 2012 Dial to Stop Drug Dealing campaign, in association with Crimestoppers in Donore Youth and Community Centre, Donore Avenue, Dublin 8.  

The Dial to Stop Drug Dealing campaign, which has been in operation since September 2008, provides people with a safe and confidential means to pass on information on drug dealing.  To strengthen the impact of the campaign, from 2012 onwards the initiative will be operated in partnership with Crimestoppers, which has an excellent track record in acting on confidential information.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Shortall said: “Drug dealing ruins lives and can wreak havoc in communities. People may not realise that they can make a significant difference by dialling Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25. Even the smallest piece of information could prove useful to the Gardaí in carrying out their investigations”.

Also attending the launch were the Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague, the Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan, the Chairperson of the Irish Crimestoppers Trust, Mr. Tim Dalton and the Chairperson of the South Inner City Local Drugs Task Force, Councillor Dermot Lacey.

The Lord Mayor, who has established a Commission on Anti-Social Behaviour, stated:  “I am delighted to lend my support to the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing/Crimestoppers collaboration. If we all work together, I believe we can create a safer environment for our communities”

The Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan said: “Often, those who want to take action might be close to the perpetrators and might fear retribution. Through this initiative a secure means is available to get the information to the Gardaí.”

Concluding the proceedings, the Chairperson of the Irish Crimestoppers Trust, Mr. Dalton said:  “Crimestoppers is delighted to be partnering with the Department of Health in this campaign. Crimestoppers is a free and anonymous service for anyone to report crime - you don't have to give your name or say where you live when you call the Crimestoppers number. If you have information on drug dealing in your community, by calling Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25 you can help the Gardaí to rid your area of drug dealing”.

Drugs.ie will be uploading video from the launch and campaign materials later this week.

Source: Department of Health, 22/05/12