Police crack down on drugs ahead of WA Leavers events

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WA Police have seized illicit drugs, cash, and a stolen firearm during a targeted operation in the South West as the state’s year 12 students prepare to travel to the region for Leavers Week celebrations.

Between November 11 and 13, police executed nine search warrants, and charged six people with a combined 27 offences.

Police seized the drugs and cash in the South West over several days.

A total of more than 100 grams of heroin, 70 grams of cannabis, 40 grams of methamphetamine and 20 grams of cocaine were seized, as well as more than $350,000 in cash and a sawn-off shotgun, later confirmed as being stolen during a burglary in Ludlow back in February 2015.

A 37-year-old Withers man was charged with a string of offences including possessing drugs and drug paraphernalia, possessing stolen property and possessing an altered firearm with ammunition without a licence.

A 22-year-old man from Usher was charged with dealing with any money or other property that is the proceeds of an offence, carrying or possessing a prohibited weapon, wilfully destroying evidence and possessing a controlled weapon.

A 40-year-old woman, also from Usher, was charged with possessing a prohibited drug and drug paraphernalia and possessing stolen property.

All three were also charged with intending to sell or supply drugs and will appear in Bunbury Magistrates Court before the end of the year.

Three more people were also charged by summons with four minor drug-related offences.

South West District Acting Superintendent Justin Tarasinski said the operation was a strategic move to disrupt criminal activity before thousands of young people arrived in the South West.

“The operation reinforces our unwavering commitment to protect the community and prevent harm as thousands of young people prepare to gather in the South West for Leavers,” he said.

“It was a deliberate and highly targeted strike designed to disrupt criminal networks and apply relentless pressure on those who endanger public safety.

“These results send an unmistakable message to those who profit from drugs and criminal activity: we will identify you, we will disrupt your networks, and we will hold you accountable.”

The last ATAR exam for WA students – integrated science – will be held on Thursday, and Leavers will kick off next week, from November 24 to 27, with the main events taking place in the Dunsborough area.