THE wave of arrests across our city on Tuesday are another jolting reminder of the drug menace that lurks beneath Wagga’s veneer of normality. Those arrested – police say the number could climb as high as 50 – should be afforded the presumption of innocence. But despite the matter being before the courts, the drugs and associated paraphernalia seized speak of a criminal underbelly operating in our city.
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You may not know a drug-pusher, you may not see them doling out deal bags in Baylis Street. But you, or someone you love, has almost certainly been touched by them.
It’s no coincidence ice was at the centre of the drug ring police have allegedly smashed. Highly potent and devilishly addictive, ice creates an itch in users that must be scratched, whatever the cost.
As such, many increasingly desperate users are forced to victimise law-abiding residents to feed their habits.
Last month, 67 break and enters – and a string of car thefts – were reported in Wagga alone, spanning all corners of the city. And you better believe a not-insignificant number were committed by ice addicts.
Wagga Police should be commended for executing these raids and getting suspects before a magistrate. Such carefully orchestrated stings cannot be successful without strict confidentiality inside the cop shop and the information of ordinary citizens outside it.
These arrests are just a drop in the ocean, though. If we truly want to rid our city of the drug scourge, we must continue to work hand in glove with police.
