Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch and Police Minister Michelle Roberts with the seized cash and drugs.
Camera IconDeputy Commissioner Col Blanch and Police Minister Michelle Roberts with the seized cash and drugs. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Police smash Perth ‘drug supermarket’

Nadia Budihardjo and Matt ZisWestern Suburbs Weekly

POLICE have smashed a Perth drug trafficking ring with cash, drugs and guns seized in almost 50 raids across more than 40 suburbs.

A total of 75kg of meth, 10.5kg of heroin, 3kg of cocaine and 2kg of MDMA was seized along with $4 million in cash and 13 firearms.

The WA-based syndicate was targeted as part of Operation Signal, which started in August 2018.

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“This is a syndicate which is essentially a drug supermarket for the entire state of WA,” Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch said.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Blanch said serious and organised crime had evolved to the point where it was a borderless crime.

“These drugs come from the Eastern States, they come from overseas and in fact, West Australians are travelling abroad to source these materials,” he said.

“These high-end offences are impacting in WA, and we need to look outside this state to see where these targets are operating.

“The message is we will come after you, we don’t care if you’re over the east coast of Australia, we don’t care if it’s international.”

Centre of the police strategy is the Western Australian Regional Priority Organisation Target (WARPOT) list which identifies criminal organisations believed to be causing the highest harm to the state.

There are currently six syndicates identified by WARPOT, however, the list constantly evolves as new intelligence comes to light.

Some of the cash and drugs seized.
Camera IconSome of the cash and drugs seized. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Blanch said partnerships with other Australian law enforcement agencies, such as the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, AUSTRAC and other State policing services were critical to the strategy.

“Further to that, we have further developed direct relationships with international law enforcement partners such as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency – this has included enhancing the capability of our own staff by seconding them to work directly with these agencies,” Mr Blanch added.

“The message to those who decide to profit from illicit drugs is that we will nominate you on this list, we will work with our partners across Australia and the world, and no matter where you are we will come after you.”

“We are not limited by our borders when we work with our partners.”

The firearms seized.
Camera IconThe firearms seized. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Blanch said the WARPOT list is the foundation to understanding the people and structures that constitute the syndicates, which is key to developing disruption strategies.

“At a practical level this strategy can benefit law enforcement efforts across the world. These high end criminal targets cause harm across the world.”

Mr Blanch said illicit drugs, particularly methylamphetamine, caused significant damage to communities including on law and order, health and mental health, and families and neighbourhoods.

“WA Police Force has a critical role to play in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs in our community and the community can assist us by providing information about suspicious activities,” Mr Blanch said.

“This information goes into the complex mix of intelligence that our officers work through as part of their day-to-day business.”

Police Minister Michelle Roberts said the seizure is a win for the community and a credit to the outstanding work of the WA Police Force.

“Our Government is strongly focused on giving our police the tools they need to break the back of these evil drug syndicates. Groundbreaking strategies like these are key to disrupting them.

“Our $125.9 million investment in the Meth Border Force has boosted police efforts to intercept more of the drug and under our tough laws traffickers now face life imprisonment.

“This should send a strong message to drug traffickers that we are committed to disrupting your evil trade and the harm you spread within the community.”

Anyone with information about suspected drug dealing in Western Australia can contact WA Police Force by calling 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Suburbs where search warrants were executed:

  • Alexander Heights
  • Balcatta x 2
  • Balga x 3
  • Ballajura x 5
  • Beckenham
  • Beechboro
  • Bennet Springs x2
  • Burswood
  • Canning Vale
  • Caversham
  • Chidlow
  • Cloverdale
  • Como
  • Dianella x 3
  • East Perth
  • Ellenbrook
  • Embleton
  • Girrawheen x 2
  • High Wycombe x 3
  • Innaloo x 3
  • Joondalup
  • Kalgoorlie
  • Kardinya
  • Kelmscott
  • Kiara
  • Kingsley
  • Lathlain x 2
  • Malaga
  • Midland
  • Mirrabooka
  • Morley
  • Mount Nasura
  • Noranda x 4
  • Rivervale
  • Southern River
  • Tapping
  • Thornlie
  • Tuart Hill x7
  • Wembley x 3
  • Westminster x 2
  • Woodvale
  • Yanchep
  • Yokine x 3