Western Australia's South West region has been the target of a significant police operation resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs, cash, and a firearm just days before school leavers celebrations were set to begin.
Major Drug Bust Ahead of Leavers
In a coordinated crackdown, police executed search warrants across several properties in the South West region, uncovering a substantial cache of illicit substances and weapons. The operation, which took place on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, was strategically timed to disrupt drug supply chains before thousands of school leavers descended on the area for celebrations.
The seized items included 28 grams of cocaine, 1.5 kilograms of cannabis, more than $11,000 in cash, and a shotgun. The total street value of the confiscated drugs is estimated to be significant, though police have not released exact figures.
Multiple Arrests and Charges
Police have confirmed that three individuals now face multiple drug-related charges as a result of the operation. The accused include two men aged 28 and 30, along with a 26-year-old woman, all residents of the South West area.
The 28-year-old man has been charged with possessing cocaine with intent to sell or supply, a serious offense that carries substantial penalties under Western Australian law. Additionally, he faces charges related to the possession of cannabis and dealing in property suspected of being proceeds of crime.
The 30-year-old man and 26-year-old woman have been charged with similar offenses, including possession of cannabis with intent to sell or supply. All three accused are scheduled to appear in Bunbury Magistrates Court at a later date.
Strategic Timing for Community Safety
Detectives from the Bunbury Regional Investigations unit led the operation, which was specifically designed to target drug distribution networks ahead of the Leavers week celebrations. This annual event sees thousands of recent high school graduates flock to coastal areas in the South West, particularly Dunsborough.
Police emphasized that the raids were conducted with community safety as the primary concern, especially given the vulnerability of young people during celebration periods. The seizure of both drugs and a firearm has been hailed as a significant success in preventing potential harm during the Leavers events.
A police spokesperson stated that operations targeting drug supply would continue throughout the Leavers period and beyond, with a zero-tolerance approach toward those seeking to profit from illegal substances in the region.
The successful raids demonstrate WA Police's ongoing commitment to disrupting drug supply chains in regional areas and ensuring community safety during major events. Residents have been encouraged to report any suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers as authorities maintain heightened vigilance during the Leavers celebrations.
