Seven people will appear in court after an interstate drug trafficking operation was shut down by police.
Detectives from SAPOL’s Serious and Organised Crime Branch (SOCB), assisted by the Australian Federal Police today concluded Operation Prime, an investigation into the alleged trafficking of cannabis from South Australia.
On 22 May two men were arrested in the Northern Territory after 48 pounds of cannabis was seized believed to be sent from South Australia.
On 11 June six pounds of cannabis was seized in South Australia. On 12 June, seven pounds of cannabis was seized in South Australia. It will be alleged in both instances the cannabis was bound for Western Australia.
On 15 June SOCB detectives arrested a 58-year-old man from Waterloo Corner for one count of large commercial drug trafficking and two counts of commercial drug trafficking which relates to the cannabis seized in the Northern Territory and the cannabis bound for Western Australia.
He has been remanded in custody to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 11 December.
Today (Tuesday 16 June) detectives searched 16 properties across metropolitan Adelaide, arresting four men, and also reporting one man and one woman. During the searches 29 cannabis plants were located including plants elaborately hidden in an underground bunker beneath a house at Seaton.
Also seized was dried cannabis, a taser, three vehicles including a light truck, money, a stolen rifle and evidence supporting commercial cannabis trafficking.
It will be alleged that three of the arrested men were participating in a criminal organisation.
Detective Chief Inspector Denise Gray, officer in charge of the Serious Crime Task Force says, “These arrests and seizures have dismantled an interstate drug trafficking syndicate and should act as a warning for those who chose to participate in such activities.”
Anyone with information about the manufacture, sale and possession of illegal drugs is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
You can remain anonymous.
OTHER ARREST DETAILS
38-year-old Sefton Park man bailed to Adelaide Magistrates Court on 19th August – he will also face further charges regarding the stolen firearm
29-year-old Seaton man bailed to appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court 19 August
25-year-old Seaton man bailed to appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court 19 August
24-year-old Seaton man bailed to appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court 15 July
81-year-old Seaton woman reported for cultivating cannabis – she will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.
48-year-old Redwood Park man reported for possessing cannabis and prescribed equipment – he will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.
