Police in conjunction with Crime Stoppers jurisdictions across Australia have joined forces in a nationwide campaign against illegal drugs.

People from all walks of life are being asked to ring Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 tomorrow for the national "Say Something Day" if they have any information on illicit drugs in the community.

This is the first time police and Crime Stoppers have adopted a single national approach to fight the importation, manufacture and distribution of drugs particularly amphetamines in Australia.

Current Australian Crime Commission data places the cost of illicit drugs at over $10 billion annually in social costs, which includes the cost of hospitalisation and rehabilitation, public violence, death and injury including lost days at work. Added to this is the actual cost of the illicit drugs themselves.

Superintendent Matt Hollamby said there has been an increase in small backyard clandestine laboratories in the NT including one discovery last week.

"Most backyard drug labs are not fancy or elaborate set-ups and can be relatively small. Drugs produced in these labs are made in unhygienic conditions by people who have no training in chemistry.

"The Crime Stoppers campaign gives the community the power to say no to organised crime groups and stop drug dealers profiting from ordinary hard working Australians," he said.

**MEDIA NOTE** Vision of the drugs that will be destroyed and interview opportunity with Superintendent Matt Hollamby at 11:30 am TODAY at the Forensics Branch, Peter McAuley Centre. Media to meet out the front of the Forensics building (attached to the main building, facing Vanderlin Drive) Media Contact Sarah Trinne 8922 3531 0437 163 332