Public behind big drug haul

South West police say they will continue to target drug dealers and users after they uncovered a haul of drugs and weapons in a week-long operation.

Police used 23 search warrants across the region last week for the South West Drug Week of Action.

Operation White Cloud discovered 210 cannabis plants, 2kg of cannabis and more than 40g of methamphetamine.

Police also found weapons including knives, knuckle dusters, a handgun and a homemade shotgun.

Police have charged 26 people with 63 offences including possession of cannabis and methamphetamine with intent to sell or supply.

South West District Supt Peter Hatch said the raids in Bunbury and other South West towns came from tip-offs by the public.

He said the amount of drugs and guns found in the raids was “impressive” considering the operation only ran for a week.

“We are very happy, ” he said.

“When the community continues to supply us with this information we will continue to uncover drug dealers and drug users. We will continue to take action as required.

“It can’t be underestimated when the community provides us with information that identifies those drug dealers and drug users.”

The latest drug seizures come after a similar haul of drugs and guns in January after a six-month investigation.

Police found drugs with a street value between $500,000 and $1 million.

Supt Hatch said he was not surprised by the amount of drugs found in the latest operation.

“On the back of other operations in the last 18 months this is another step in the right direction in terms of targeting these drug dealers and drug users, ” he said.

“I think it is difficult to determine how much drugs there are in the community so I am never surprised by what I find.”

Supt Hatch said police had found a significant amount of drugs in the South West because they were focussing on the issue.