Week-long multi-agency Carnarvon drug operation produces 21 arrests, say police

More than 20 arrests were made and 50-plus charges laid during a week-long anti-drug operation in Carnarvon, as Mid West-Gascoyne police attempt to combat a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour in the town. Between March 27-31 a “pro-active” operation was carried out in the town involving officers and detectives from Carnarvon and Geraldton, as well as K-9 officers from Perth. The operation was also supported by the Australian Border Force and fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Equipment from the Drugs and Firearm squad, including an X-ray van, was also used. “Police have commenced a pro-active investigation to disrupt individuals involved in the use, sale and distribution of drugs within Carnarvon, and prosecute any offenders we could identify,” said Senior Sergeant Russell Hurst, Mid-West Gascoyne District engagement and support unit manager. Five search warrants were carried out, with each leading to drugs found and arrests made. Luggage at Carnarvon Airport from eight flights, inbound and outbound, was inspected by drug-sniffer dogs and put through the X-ray machine, leading to one person being charged with possessing cannabis. Three days of vehicle searches along North West Coastal Highway were carried out, which led to a number of drug finds including cannabis and DMT, and three people charged with driving under the influence of drugs. “We stopped all cars travelling on that route, both north and south, and from there seized a quantity of drugs, including 80 grams of cannabis,” Sen. Sgt Hurst said. Mail at Australia Post was also checked during the week, with no drugs found. Overall 100g of cannabis was seized during the operation, and 21 people were charged with 56 offences, including possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply and knowingly allowing a premise to be used for drug use. Sen. Sgt Hurst said police would continue to go after the distribution of drugs in Carnarvon. “Police will continue to target the distribution in all of the Mid West-Gascoyne District, but specifically in Carnarvon, we’re looking for any other information people have, if people know of any suspicious behaviour in town, call us on Crime Stoppers if needed,” he said. “We can be anywhere at any time, if you are distributing drugs police will catch up with you.” The operation follows a recent rise in crime and anti-social behaviour in the town. Snr Sgt Hurst said the community was happy to see the operation carried out, and the airport and Australia Post had been very helpful. “We’ve certainly had massive support from the Carnarvon community,” he said. “We know that Carnarvon has been in the spotlight a lot recently, with anti-social issues and those sorts of things, and we’re constantly working to address those issues.”