Major drug operation across the Kimberley sees 12 people arrested for drug, firearm and stealing offences

Twelve people have been charged with serious drug, firearm and stealing offences following a major operation in the Kimberley in which there were 12 raids across seven communities from Broome to Kununurra Broome detectives and police, with help from the police air wing and canine squad, executed search warrants in Kununurra, Kalumburu, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Broome, and Dampier Peninsula. During the raids more than 1kg of cannabis, three cannabis plants, 12g of a crystalline substance — believed to be methamphetamine — a firearm and ammunition were seized Twelve people were arrested and charged with serious drug, firearm and stealing offences. The operation took place between October 28 and November 8. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said specialist units were sent to the Kimberley and the Pilbara to carry out search warrants. “They have seized a significant quantity of cannabis, of methamphetamine, some firearms and (a) weapon,” he said. Mr Blanch said methamphetamine was causing “an increase in violence, and certainly an increase in property-based crime” in the regions. “(We see the) theft of cars, burglaries as a result of their addiction to methamphetamine,” he said. Mr Blanch said the community had helped police by giving them information, leading to the arrests. “Our community of Western Australia, I might be biased, but it’s the best one in the country — they are supportive of their police, and they provide us the necessary intelligence to do our job,” he said. “We’ll be looking for other drug traffickers who are extorting these small communities.” Anyone with information in relation to the sale and supply of illicit drugs and associated criminal activity in the Kimberley is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestopperswa.com.au.