Northam Detectives have charged 17 people in relation to an illicit drugs operation in the Avon Valley, seizing drugs, weapons and cash in the process.
Seven search warrants were executed in Northam, York, Toodyay and other suburbs, resulting in over 156 offences.
Police say they have seized:
- Over 100g of methylamphetamine.
- A handgun.
- Close to $40,000 in cash.
- Jewellery worth over $30,000.
- A black jeep patriot.
- Weapons and knives.
A 30-year-old York man is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on October 24 and has been charged with:
- 8 x Conspiracy to sell/supply (methylamphetamine).
- 7 x Conspiracy to sell/supply (cannabis).
- 28 x Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell or supply (methylamphetamine).
- 3 x Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell or supply (cocaine).
- 7 x Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell or supply (cannabis).
- 12 x Offer to sell/supply (cannabis).
- 14 x Offer to sell/supply a prohibited drug to another (methylamphetamine).
- 1 x Property laundering.
- 1 x Conspiracy to commit indictable offence (aggravated armed robbery/deprivation of liberty).
- 1 x Possess with intent to sell or supply (methylamphetamine).
- 1 x Attempts at extortion by threats.
- 1 x Having ready access to both weapons and illegal drugs.
Of the other 16 arrests, 11 are people from Northam, two are from Toodyay, another one is from York, one is from Thornlie and one is from Wattle Grove.
They face a string of charges, largely related to the supply, possession and sale of methylamphetamine and cannabis.
Of the 17 arrests, 12 are men and five are women.
Detective Sergeant Anthony Pymm from Northam Detectives said the arrests showed the police presence in the region.
“If you are going to deal, source or profit from the sales of drugs in the Wheatbelt area, we will actively target you and those associates you conduct illegal business with - from the lowest level users and dealers right up to the suppliers,” he said.