More than $4 million in drugs seized across WA's far north in ongoing operation
Police say 2.8 kilograms of meth were found a storage unit in Broome. (ABC: Kate Hill)
In short:
Police say they have stopped millions of dollars in methylamphetamine and other drugs from being sold in WA's Kimberley.
The drugs were allegedly smuggled into the state via Perth, before being transported north and hidden at properties in Broome and Kununurra.
What's next?
A 49-year-old man and 37-year-old woman from southern WA have been charged and will face court in Broome in November.
The seizure of millions of dollars of drugs and the arrest of two alleged traffickers has significantly disrupted a drug distribution network in Western Australia's far north, according to police.
The ongoing operation, involving officers from Broome, Kununurra and Derby, has targeted the drug trade in the Kimberley, which has had a devastating impact on the region.
A WA Police spokesperson said officers had seized almost 4 kilograms of methylamphetamine, other drugs, and ammunition since April, with an estimated street value of over $4 million.
Following the seizures, a 49-year-old man and 37-year-old woman, both from southern WA, were charged with possessing a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine with intent to sell or supply.
Police alleged the pair organised for the methylamphetamine to be smuggled into Perth via an associate on March 30.
The drugs were allegedly picked up from a Perth hotel and transported 3,000 kilometres north to Kununurra, before being hidden in the walls of a residence in the nearby community of Mud Springs.
Police allege some of the drugs were hidden at a property south of Kununurra. (ABC Kimberley: Ted O'Connor)
Police alleged the drugs were then moved, with officers seizing 2.8kg of methylamphetamine from a storage unit in Broome during a search in July.
Police said the search followed earlier seizures of 27 grams in April and more than 600g in July, from the same alleged drug network.
Kimberley Police Superintendent John Hutchison said the operation was having a positive effect.
"The quantity of drugs would have had a devastating impact if they had reached our community," he said.
"We know that we are making a real dent in supply."
Superintendent Hutchison urged the community to report any suspicious activity.
John Hutchison says community support was a critical part of the crackdown. (ABC Kimberley: Andrew Seabourne)
"Those involved in the illicit drugs trade prey on our people for profit," he said,
"They don't care about the death and destruction they cause."
The two people charged will face the Broome Magistrates Court next month.