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Police allege pair were drug 'kingpins'

Police allege pair were drug 'kingpins'

Carnarvon Police have arrested two alleged methylamphetamine “kingpins” as part of a major operation to dismantle local drug networks.

The man and woman were arrested as part of Operation Anchovy, an ongoing operation which in the past six months has led to 15 Carnarvon residents facing drug charges.

Carnarvon Police Station Detective Sergeant Mitch Howard said the operation, a state and local policing partnership, involved undercover police officers infiltrating Carnarvon drug circles to try to catch drug dealers in the act.

Det Sgt Howard said a series of drug-related arrests led to the operation’s ultimate objective - the March 18 arrests of two alleged drug dealers who police believe are responsible for the biggest sales of methylamphetamine in Carnarvon for at least the past 12 months.

The man and woman are alleged to have offered to sell 30.5 grams of methylamphetamine to undercover police between October 20 and 23 last year, for $12,500.

The man will face court on charges of selling methlyamphetamine, offering to sell or supply a prohibited drug, possessing cannabis, possessing methylamphetamine, possessing drug paraphernalia and possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property.

The woman will face charges of offering to sell or supply a prohibited drug.

Selling or supplying a prohibited drug, or offering to sell or supply a prohibited drug, carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment and/or up to a $100,000 fine.

Det Sgt Howard said the pair, if convicted, could be declared drug traffickers and have all their assets seized.

“This sends a strong message to the community – if you deal drugs, you’ll get everything you own taken away,” he said.

“It’s a clear message to the community that police are continuing to combat and target drug dealers.

“If you deal drugs, expect a visit.”

Det Sgt Howard said that while the operation’s target had been met, police were continuing to round up the remaining drug dealers in Carnarvon.

He said the wider community effect of the operation was to reduce many sorts of crime, with two burglary arrests and a property laundering arrest being directly linked to the operation.

“Drugs are linked to crime – if we can reduce the amount of drugs, we reduce the amount of crime.”