WA man charged over seizure of cannabis, cash and suspected ‘magic mushrooms’

This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Western Australia Police

A 35-year-old man is expected to face Joondalup Magistrate’s Court today (2 October) after the Western Australia National Anti-Gangs Squad (WA NAGS) found cannabis plants, suspected hallucinogenic mushrooms and $11,250 cash at his northern suburbs’ home.

The man has been charged with six drug-related offences after WA NAGS executed a search warrant at the property on 4 September as part of an investigation into the WA Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Group (OMCG)’s suspected involvement in drug trafficking.

Investigators allegedly found a sophisticated cannabis growing system in a bedroom at the man’s home.

Police seized $11,250 cash, approximately 652 grams of mushrooms – which they suspect are psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms – four cannabis plants and a small quantity of MDMA.

The man is facing charges of:

  • Possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property, contrary to section 417(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
  • Two counts of possession of a prohibited plant with intent to sell or supply, contrary to section 7(1)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA);
  • Cultivate a prohibited plant with intent to sell or supply, contrary to section 7(1)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA);
  • Possession of a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply, contrary to section 6(1)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA);
  • Possession of a prohibited drug (MDMA), contrary to section 6(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA).

The potential maximum penalty for the offence of possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply is life imprisonment.

The Australian Federal Police established the National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) in 2013 to fight gang-related crime, including the trafficking of illicit drugs.

WA NAGS, comprises the AFP, WA Police Force and the Australian Taxation Office.

WA NAGS investigators have executed 31 search warrants so far this year (2020) in WA on people linked to OMCGs.

/Public Release. View in full here.