Three arrested and 20kg of methamphetamine seized in joint WA operation | WPN World People News

The Western Australia Police Gangs Crime Squad (GCS) and Western Australia National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) has arrested three people and seized 20 kilograms of methamphetamine in a joint operation spanning the state this week.

Resolution for Operation Rage began on Tuesday, 4 August 2015, when police conducted four search warrants across Perth.

Evidence from these search warrants led to a storage unit in Osborne Park, where police seized $570, 000 cash and 20.9kg of methamphetamine with a street value of up to $20.9 million.

A sawn-off shotgun, revolver and ammunition were also found in the storage unit, along with other items indicating a syndicate capable of large scale drug supply.

Following further investigation, two alleged syndicate members were identified as being aboard a large yacht near the Montebello Islands, approximately 1500 kilometres north of Perth.

On Wednesday, 5 August, the police intercepted the yacht and arrested a 33-year-old Scarborough man and a 33-year-old West Leederville man.

The yacht is being towed to Dampier by the Australian Border Force and will be searched by specialist members of that agency.

Police then executed a search warrant in Leederville, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 300 grams of a prohibited drug and $40,000 cash.

Intelligence provided by the Australian Crime Commission led to a search of a further storage unit in Bibra Lake on 7 August 2015, linked to the syndicate and leased by a Coffin Cheater OMCG member. Police located approximately 200 grams of dexamphetamines, $300,000 cash, two bullet proof vests and nine firearms including sawn off shotguns, an assault rifle, semi-automatic handguns and a home-made machine gun. A 31-year-old Coffin Cheater member has subsequently been arrested.

WA Police Assistant Commissioner (State Crime) Michelle Fyfe said Operation Rage was another example of law enforcement agencies working closely together to remove a significant quantity of methamphetamine from the community before it had an opportunity to cause harm.

“This was a complex and challenging investigation and the outcome is significant for the Western Australian community,” Mrs Fyfe said.

“I am pleased that this consignment of methamphetamine is now destined for an incinerator rather than for sale to vulnerable community members on our streets.”
Australian Federal Police WA State Manager Matt Rippon said that state and federal law enforcement are working together better than ever to target organised crime and outlaw motorcycle gangs.

“Working together, our teams have successfully shut down a syndicate suspected of supplying methamphetamine to outlaw motorcycle gangs in Perth,” Commander Rippon said.

“This strong cooperation between state and federal law enforcement has resulted in the further large seizure of drugs in WA this year.”

The two men arrested from the vessel appeared in the Karratha Magistrates Court on 6 August 2015, charged with possession of a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply, two counts of possess unlicenced firearms, two counts of possess unlicenced ammunition and possess stolen or unlawfully obtained property (relating to the $570,000 cash). They were remanded in custody and will reappear at the Karratha Magistrates Court on 19 August 2015.

The 31-year-old Coffin Cheater member has been charged with offences relating to drug possession with the intent to sell or supply, numerous firearms offences and possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property.

Source: Australian Federal Police