National Police operation targets drug dealing houses
A two month long nationwide crackdown by Police on drug dealing houses has led to the arrest of 311 people.
Operation Localise has been a nationally coordinated operation across all 12 Police districts which targeted drug
dealing houses, particularly those selling cannabis or "tinnie houses".
301 search warrants have been executed, leading to 311 arrests, 32.2kg of cannabis being recovered and 139g of
methamphetamine. Cannabis was found growing at 44 locations, with 2657 plants and seedlings seized. $111,154 in cash was
also recovered. 19 firearms were also seized along with ammunition.
A wide range of charges have been laid by each Police district including conspiracy to supply class A, B and C drugs,
possession for supply, selling class C drugs, attempting to procure cannabis, conspiracy to sell cannabis, cultivation
of cannabis, possession of utensils, receiving stolen property and manufacturing methamphetamine. Other charges include
participating in an organised criminal group, unlawful possession of a firearm, burglary, and threat to kill.
"This was a sustained programme of enforcement to combat drugs and disrupt organised crime groups" said Assistant
Commissioner Malcolm Burgess.
"Tinnie houses are hubs for criminal offending. The people who run them are often not only dealing cannabis, but also
methamphetamine. They invariably receive stolen property, take payments for drugs and are involved in organised crime
groups.
"Such houses cause misery in communities and we are sending a clear message that they won't be tolerated.
"We will continue to protect our communities from the harm caused by drug dealers and stamp out the anti-social
behaviour they create.
"Some of those arrested will also find themselves subject to new civil forfeiture legislation. 47 assessments under this
legislation are now underway as a result of the operation. The onus of proof is now on the offender and they will have
to prove assetts are not the proceeds of criminal activity.
"Operation Localise has involved some excellent work in all the Police districts with coordination at a national level
and I'm confident it has caused significant disruption to drug dealing in our communities. "However drug dealers
shouldn't think our work here is done - they will continue to find themselves the subject of close Police attention.
ends