Authorities have charged ten men following an extensive investigation into a suspected drug trafficking and money laundering syndicate operating throughout Australia. The three-month operation saw the seizure of approximately 114 kilograms of methamphetamine, along with 6.3 kilograms of heroin, 4 kilograms of ketamine, and over $1.13 million in alleged criminal proceeds.
On April 28, raids executed across various suburbs in Perth, including Eglinton, Secret Harbour, and High Wycombe, led to the arrest of five men, one of whom is purported to be the leader of the criminal network. These operations reportedly uncovered jewellery linked to illegal activities, about $390,000 in cash, 33 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 1.4 kilograms of heroin.
A 28-year-old man from Eglinton has been charged with multiple offences, including dealing with proceeds of crime, supplying heroin, and attempting to possess a trafficable quantity of methamphetamine with the intent to sell. He is scheduled to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on May 20. Additional men are facing charges related to their involvement in the syndicate, with court appearances arranged across Perth, Rockingham, Fremantle, and Adelaide.
The month of February had seen officers searching a storage unit in Scarborough, where they allegedly found 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, three kilograms of ketamine, a handgun, and ammunition. A 34-year-old suspect was taken into custody as a result.
In March, authorities intercepted a four-wheel drive in Mundaring, discovering 24 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3.5 kilograms of heroin, leading to two further arrests. Another incident in Norseman resulted in the seizure of around 34 kilograms of methamphetamine and an arrest of a 31-year-old man.
Recently, a 23-year-old from Mawson Lakes in South Australia was charged with money laundering and has been released on bail to appear in court in June. The combined street value of the seized drugs could exceed $57 million, potentially translating into over 1.1 million individual street sales.
Detective Acting Inspector Craig Mellors from WA Police remarked that organised crime groups attempting to operate in Western Australia will face immediate repercussions. He asserted that the state will not serve as a safe haven for such criminal enterprises, emphasising the authorities’ readiness to tackle these threats.
Investigations remain active, with the potential for further arrests as the operation unfolds. For individuals facing issues with substance abuse, the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline is available at 1800 250 015, alongside support resources for affected families and friends.