ECSTASY, methamphetamine, cannabis and more than $23,000 believed to be drug money has been seized following a series of drug raids in Esperance.
Local police carried out four search warrants on four different properties with the help of a Goldfields Esperance drug detection dog, Jake, and his handler. The warrants, which were undertaken on Wednesday and Thursday in Esperance, followed police intelligence work and public tip offs and were part of Esperance police's continued work to stamp out drugs in the town.
The drug raids took place at homes and semi-rural properties in Esperance, West Beach, Nulsen and Monjingup and involved officers forcing their way into several uncooperative properties. Methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), approximately 28 grams of cannabis, drug paraphernalia and more than $23,000 in cash were seized in the searches.
Five people between the ages of 35 and 52 were identified in the raids and were believed to be involved in the supply of illegal drugs in Esperance and surrounding areas.
Officer in Charge of the Esperance Detectives, Detective Sergeant Darryl Noye said the operation couldn't have been a success without the help of the drug detection dog.
"We executed a series of drug warrants with the assistance of the drug detection dog Jake and his handler Senior Constable Habbits," Detective Sergeant Noye said.
"Four premises were searched in the operation. Five drug dealers and users are now to be charged with approximately 12 charges."
"The charges are related to possession of methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), cannabis and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell or supply," Detective Sergeant Noye said.
"Semi-rural property detectives located in excess of $20,000 hidden in a secret location. It was hidden extremely well, but the dog sniffed it out and was found on a Monjingup property," he said.
Detective Sergeant Noye said the cash was found at the home of a 29-year-old man who had recently been charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell or supply and was due to appear in the Perth District court next week. He was targeted due to police inquiries and community information.
"That same person had recently been checked out a fortnight ago, and was subject to charges," Detective Sergeant Noye said.
Police are identifying if the money is linked from a previous seizure from a 52-year-old-man, who was allegedly found with methmphetamine and $22,000.
Detective Sergeant Noye said the result of the searches was fantastic and thanks to the drug detection dog, potentially two ounces of methamphetamine had been stopped before it reached the streets.
"We're committed to minimising the harm illicit drugs cause in our local communities and we will do this through continuing our efforts to identify and target those people involved in illicit drugs.
"Illicit drugs are not just illegal they destroy lives and tear families apart and as a community we all need to continue to work together.
"I encourage anyone with information about those involved with illicit drugs to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, where you can remain anonymous."
