AUSTRALIAN Federal Police (AFP) seized about $650,000 and a kilogram of cocaine after house raids in Silver Sands and Meadow Springs on Tuesday.
Three men were arrested following the investigation into the alleged Australian arm of an international drug trafficking syndicate.
The investigation began when members of an international drug syndicate were identified allegedly attempting to source 10kg of cocaine to import into Australia.
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READ NOWOn Tuesday, the AFP with the assistance of WA Police, searched houses and found the cash, 1kg of cocaine (with an estimated street value of $375,000) and mobile phones.
Three men were arrested and police will allege they are part of the drug syndicate.
The men aged 46, 23 and 26 have been charged with attempt to possess a commercial quantity of drugs, trafficking in a controlled drug and money laundering offences. These offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The men were expected to face the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, February 20.
AFP Detective Superintendent Timothy Underhill said police will allege the attempted importation was organised by an international criminal syndicate operating in Australia.
“We are currently assessing evidence collected throughout the investigation and this may lead to further operational activity and arrests,” he said.
“The strength of police to impact organised crime in Western Australia is evidenced in the successful collaboration between the AFP and WA Police and should serve as a considerable deterrent to criminal syndicates.”