Police charge 27 in major drug operation in Mid West

Police have charged 27 people after a major operation targeting mid-level drug dealers in the Mid West.

The Organised Crime Squad, Geraldton Detectives, Geraldton Volume Crime Team, Geraldton Burglary Suppression Team, Geraldton Police Station and Dongara Police Station executed 19 search warrants over four days last week.

Among the items seized were a clandestine drug laboratory, 48.5 grams methylamphetamine, 170 grams cannabis, $4950 cash, $10,000 worth of stolen property, five firearms (handguns, rifles and homemade pen gun), 81 rounds of ammunition, four tasers, a crossbow and a vehicle.

A total of 77 charges were laid, including possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply, attempting to manufacture a prohibited drug (methylamphetamine), aggravated possession of an unlicensed firearm, possessing a prohibited drug, possessing prohibited weapons, unlawful possession (cash), unlawful possession (stolen property), burglary, fraud and no authority to drive.

Police said the operation, launched because of the link between mid-level drug dealing and burglarlies, resulted in a “significant reduction” in reported burglaries for the week.

“(The) operation was initiated to assist with the ongoing efforts of local police to disrupt and dismantle as many mid-level drug dealers operating in the Mid-West Gascoyne,” police said.

Those charged were subject to bail refusal and conditional bail.