Police target drug dealers
Drugs, weapons, cash and stolen goods have been seized in a week-long operation in the Pilbara by Karratha and Hedland volume crime teams, district detectives and the Perth canine unit.
Operation Catkin targeted known drug dealers and volume crime through the use of search warrants, roadside vehicle inspections and random searches in the Town of Port Hedland and City of Karratha.
Roebourne police Sergeant Glen Beros said more than $100,000 of cash was recovered, as well as large quantities of cannabis, methamphetamine, steroids, firearms, ammunition, a crossbow and stolen property.
"Police received a lot of information from the public who were concerned about supply of drugs in their communities and the harm it brings to youths and their families," he said.
"Throughout the week, seven search warrants were executed and 17 vehicles were stopped which resulted in nine people being charged with 28 charges.
"Police have more targets in our sights and we'll continue to act on information provided by the community."
Sgt Beros said a vehicle inspection held at the Roebourne Regional Prison targeting people attempting to bring contraband into the facility on Saturday did not result in any charges.
East Pilbara Detectives officer-in-charge Sergeant Tony Langer said the Hedland team charged four people with possession of a prohibited drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. Three of those were also charged with intent to sell or supply.
"(We) seized approximately 120 grams cannabis, about six grams of methamphetamine, a stolen TV, a stolen computer," he said.
"One was also charged with possession of unlicensed ammunition and two charges of possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property." Mr Langer said similar operations would likely be run sporadically throughout the year to keep people on the wrong side of the law on their toes.
