Carnarvon drug crackdown Operation Luna Chariot sparks more than 200 charges

More than a dozen people are facing hundreds of charges between them following a major drug crackdown in the town of Carnarvon. Operation Luna Chariot — run by Carnarvon detectives — has resulted in more than 200 charges for 15 people aged between 33 and 58. The bulk of the charges relate to methylamphetamine and cannabis seizures and police say the operation remains active and ongoing. The operation, which has been running for several months, has already led to multiple drug seizures through vehicle stops, parcel interceptions and search warrants. The 15 people charged are facing a range of offences including possession a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply, offering to sell or supply a prohibited drug and possession of stolen property. Weapons charges have also been laid. Acting Detective Sergeant Steven Rollings said the operation was targeting low to mid-level street dealers causing harm within the Carnarvon community. “If you supply drugs, or profit from the sales of drugs in Carnarvon, we will actively target you and those associates you conduct your business with,” he said. The town of Carnarvon, 900km north of Perth, came under the national spotlight earlier this year when ten local youths — including an 11-year-old child — were rushed to hospital after police found them unconscious or semi-conscious after they all smoked synthetic cannabis. Carnarvon police officers made the shocking discovery in the suburb of Brockman on the night of February 9. A police investigation into the incident resulted in a 14-year-old local boy being charged with supplying a prohibited drug. He was later handed a six month intensive supervision order. At the time of the incident Senior Sergeant Jayd Morawski said a number of the youths affected by the drug were found across five different houses. Some of the boys were not breathing when they were found, while another was saved by a police officer from falling and smashing his head on the ground. In the wake of the incident community leaders and elders told The West Australian the town was being plagued by youth-related crime and risk-taking behaviour.