WA woman jailed for drug trafficking and illicit wealth confiscated

A Nollamara woman was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment yesterday (Thursday, 01 April 2021) after being arrested in 2019 with methamphetamine, heroin and $39,450 in illicit cash.

The woman was sentenced in the Perth District Court after previously pleading guilty to two charges of trafficking a marketable quantity of a controlled drug and dealing in the proceeds of crime worth $10,000 or more.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the woman, then aged 57, on 17 October 2019 after finding the illicit drugs, cash and other items when they executed a search warrant at her Nollamara home.

Forensic analysis determined the seized drugs were 337.1 grams of pure methamphetamine and 490.2 grams of pure heroin.

The AFP seizure stopped approximately 3371 ‘street’ hits of methamphetamine and 4902 ‘street’ deals of heroin from reaching the Perth community and causing harm.

At the time, the methamphetamine had a potential street value of $56,000, while the heroin was potentially worth $117,000.

The illicit drugs, as well as approximately $35,000 cash, gold and silver from the Perth Mint and diamond jewellery were found in a concealed compartment in a bedside table. Police discovered this with the assistance of AFP Cash and Drug Detection Dog Autumn.

Investigators removed a back panel on the bedside, which revealed an electromagnetic radio-frequency identification activated lock. When the mechanism was unlocked, the top of the bedside table slid forward to reveal a hidden compartment.

AFP officers found a card to activate the drawer lock, a drug ledger and more cash hidden under a pillow on a bed.

The cash and jewellery, which police alleged was purchased with criminal proceeds, were seized.

The woman was sentenced to a non-parole period of five years’ imprisonment and the court ordered the forfeiture of the $39,450 cash and assets seized.

For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

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