THE four primary school-aged children found living in a house where an alleged methamphetamine manufacturing operation had been based are being supported by the Department for Child Protection.
Esperance police, with members of the Perth-based Organised Crime Squad, carried out a search at a Pink Lake Road house about 7.55am on Tuesday.
Officer in charge of the Esperance Police Station, Senior Sergeant Richard Moore said the occupants of the house, located across the road from the Pink Lake IGA, were believed to have been manufacturing methamphetamine inside.
Four primary school-aged children were at the home at the time of the search, along with five adults aged 25-50, including three women and two men. All are believed to live at the address.
Department for Child Protection and Family Support director general Emma White said the department was working to esnure "the safety and well being of all of the children who were residing at the property".
"The Department is unable to identify children in care. However, the Department can confirm that all the children are safe and well supported," she said.
Soon after police arrived at the property the children were sent to school before the Department of Child Protection (DCP) looked into the care for the children.
Senior Sergeant Moore said police had seized items of interest, which would be subject to forensic analysis.
Detective Sergeant Andy Elliot from the Organised Crime Squad, said the search took several hours to complete and those at the scene were interviewed. Equipment used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine including utensils and chemicals had been found as well as a small amount of suspected methamphetamine.
Charges were not expected to be laid until a forensic examination of the seized items had been completed, which could take up to six weeks.
A blue shelter had been erected at the front of the property due to the rain and weather conditions. About 10 members of the organised crime squad, a chemist from the Chemistry Centre and police officers were at the scene on Tuesday morning. At least six police vehicles, including a truck and a Hazchem trailer were also there.
Senior Sergeant Moore said the search was carried out following information from the Esperance community and police intelligence work.
"The Esperance community expects a drug-free community," Senior Sergeant Moore said.
"The community's assistance in providing information, along with drug intelligence officers ascertain will continue to see drug warrants executed and offenders placed before the court.
"Esperance Detectives and Police are committed to increasing drug detection to reduce domestic violence, assaults, burglary and impaired driving offences."
He said since July 13 police have caught nine people driving under the influence of drugs.
