An investigation into the sale of psychoactive substances at retail outlets across Perth has resulted in 314 drug charges against 18 people, including a Mandurah man.
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The investigation commenced in November and involved both inspections and search warrants conducted under the Misuse of Drugs Act at stores in Rockingham, Armadale, Victoria Park, Mandurah, Wanneroo and Highgate.
This activity occurred in November, January, February, March and July, with some inspections conducted under amendments to the Act related to psychoactive substances.
These inquiries resulted in the seizure of 4573 items which were taken for further analysis, and the subsequent investigation resulted in:
- • 11 people, both male and female and aged between 20 and 29, have each been
- charged with one count each of Possess a Prohibited Drug With Intent to Sell or
- Supply;
- • 4 people, both male and female and aged between 21 and 25, have been charged
- with a total of 38 counts of Sell a Prohibited Drug;
- • A 20-year-old woman has been charged with three counts of Possess a Prohibited
- Drug With Intent to Sell or Supply, and 57 counts of Sell a Prohibited a Drug;
- • A 20-year-old woman has been charged with two counts of Possess a Prohibited Drug
- with Intent to Sell or Supply, and 48 counts of Sell a Prohibited Drug;
- • A 33-year-old man has been charged with 11 counts of Possess With Intent to
- Sell/Supply, 143 counts of Sell a Prohibited Drug, and 1 count of Unlawful Possession
- (Cash).
Metropolitan Region North Acting Commander Mary Brown said the charges were a result of a protracted and complex investigation into the sale of psychoactive substances in the community.
“Police and the Mental Health Commission worked with retailers before the psychoactive substances legislation was introduced in an effort to educate them about their responsibilities under the new laws,” Acting Cdr Brown said.
“These substances are of significant concern to police, health groups and the broader public, and as such have been and continue to be a focus for WA Police.”
Acting Cdr Brown said as with all illicit drugs the long term health impacts could vary and be severe.
Breakdown of charges
- • 20-year-old Baldivis woman charged with Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply;
- • 24-year-old Rockingham man charged with Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply;
- • 26-year-old Dianella man charged with Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply;
- • 20-year-old Mandurah man charged with Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply;
- • 24-year-old Rockingham woman charged with Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply;
- • 29-year-old Attadale man charged with Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply;
- • 23-year-old Mount Lawley man charged with Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply;
- • 22-year-old Northbridge man charged with Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply;
- • 23-year-old Calista woman charged with Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply;
- • 21-year-old Cloverdale man charged with Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply;
- • 23-year-old Murdoch man charged with Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply;
- • 20-year-old Merriwa woman charged with 2 X Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply and 48
- X Sell Prohibited Drug;
- • 20-year-old Butler woman charged with 3 X Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply and 57 X
- Sell Prohibited Drug;
- • 25-year-old Coolbinia man charged with 8 X Sell a Prohibited Drug;
- • 25-year-old Mirrabooka man charged with 1 X Sell a Prohibited Drug;
- • 25-year-old Ballajura woman charged with 1 X Sell a Prohibited Drug;
- • 21-year-old Pearsall man 28 X Sell a Prohibited Drug.
In addition to these charges and as mentioned above, a 33-year-old Mount Lawley man has been charged with 11 counts of Possess With Intent to Sell/Supply, 143 counts of Sell a Prohibited Drug, and 1 count of Unlawful Possession (Cash).
The accused people have all been charged by summons, and court dates and locations are yet to be confirmed.
If anyone has any questions about their own, or their loved one’s alcohol and drug use they can call Alcohol and Drug Support Line for free, confidential counselling, support and referral 24/7, on (08) 9442 5000, or 1800 198 024 country callers toll free.
Parents can also call the Parent and Family Drug Support Line on (08) 9442 5000 or 1800 653 203 country callers toll free.
