DONNYBROOK Police seized $8,000 worth of cannabis and a number of smoking implements at two unrelated vehicle stops in Balingup at the weekend.
On Saturday September 13 a 54-year-old Greenbushes man was found with 100g of cannabis, while on Sunday September 14, a 46-year-old Queens Park man and a 34-year-old Maida Vale man were found with 550g of cannabis.
The three men have been summonsed to Donnybrook Magistrates Court for drug related charges.
Officer in Charge of Donnybrook Police, Acting Sergeant Trent Langthorn, said police patrolling the highway were often looking for things other than people speeding.
“Our attention is drawn to the vehicle they are driving and their speed. We act on police intelligence,” he said.
“We’re still surprised as to what we’re finding out there while stopping cars for traffic offences – this was a lot of cannabis.”
Acting Sergeant Langthorn said people were making a substantial amount of money from selling drugs.
“There’s a lot more to what we do than people perceive,” he said.
“People see us doing traffic stops, but they don’t realise people convey drugs in vehicles, and unless we’re stopping cars, we’re not going to find it.
“If you’re going to be involved in drug activity, you run the risk of being caught – and the penalties are severe.”
The penalty for possession of a prohibited drug is a maximum fine of $2,000, two years in prison or both. The penalty for possession of drug paraphernalia is a maximum $36,000, three years in prison or both. People charged with offences relating to the supply of illicit drugs also risk having their assets seized.
“If you engage in drug activity, you can expect to be caught and put before a magistrate,” Acting Sergeant Langthorn said.
“Anyone who has any information on drug activity is welcome to talk to us or report anonymously to Crimestoppers.”