Crime Stoppers Week launch highlights the hidden networks behind illegal products.
What’s the real deal? Every illegal product supports crime. Information helps stop it.
Crime Stoppers Tasmania has launched Crime Stoppers Week 2026 with a focus on the growing harm caused by illicit drugs and the organised crime groups that profit from them.
This year’s campaign is encouraging Tasmanians to look beyond the drugs themselves and consider the criminal networks operating behind the scenes. Illegal tobacco, vapes and illicit drugs are increasingly connected through the same organised crime supply chains and profit-driven criminal enterprises.
Crime Stoppers Tasmania Chair Mr David Daniels OAM says many people viewed organised crime as something that happened elsewhere, when the reality was that illicit products continue to impact communities across Tasmania.
“The harms extend beyond the products themselves and ripple throughout our communities. Behind every illegal product is a criminal network. Behind every disruption is information.
“Many people think organised crime only exists behind closed doors. The reality is it’s increasingly visible in our communities through illicit drugs, illegal tobacco and vapes.
“Crime Stoppers Week is about helping Tasmanians understand that they can make a difference without getting involved,” said Mr Daniels.
Community information remains one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement, and Crime Stoppers drug related tips make up one third of the information received.
People often notice unusual activity before authorities do, whether it is suspicious behaviour at a property, unusual traffic, suspected drug activity or information shared within local communities. Crime Stoppers provides a trusted way for people to share information without giving their name or getting involved.
Tasmania Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Elmer says organised crime groups continued to seek opportunities to profit from illicit commodities.
Crime Stoppers Tasmania Chair David Daniels OAM, Tasmania Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Elmer and the Hon Eric Abetz MP
“Illegal tobacco, vapes and drugs are part of the same criminal supply chains. These activities fund organised crime and harm communities.
“The information we receive from the community helps identify criminal activity and supports targeted enforcement and disruption efforts. Crime Stoppers tips are anonymous and a direct contributor to police intelligence.
“Illicit drugs remain a significant concern and they are increasingly linked to broader organised crime activity. Criminal groups often operate across multiple illicit markets and use the proceeds of crime to support additional offending and criminal enterprises,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner Elmer.
Joint law enforcement operations have resulted in significant seizures of illicit drugs, tobacco and vaping products, reinforcing the local relevance of the issue.
Crime Stoppers Week is one of Crime Stoppers Tasmania’s most successful annual awareness campaigns, supporting local issues and encouraging community action. More than 30 people contact Crime Stoppers Tasmania each day to share information and help create a safer Tasmania.
If it’s not right, speak up anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
crimestopperstas.com.au or 1800 333 000.