Two men have been charged and more than 50 kilograms of methylamphetamine has been seized following a series of search warrants targeting an international drug distribution network operating out of Western Australia.
In March 2023, detectives from the Transnational Serious and Organised Crime Squad commenced an investigation into an Eastern European criminal syndicate.
The investigation followed the arrest of an Estonian man after he was found in possession of a large amount of cash, believed to be the proceeds of illicit drug dealing and organised criminal activity.
Over the past two weeks, detectives executed a number of warrants throughout the metropolitan area where it will be alleged $2.2 million in cash, 52.3-kilograms of methylamphetamine, firearms and ammunition were unearthed.
The operation came to a resolution on Tuesday 5 September 2023, where two men were arrested inside their Hillarys residence after police located a significant quantity of Australian cash, two semi-automatic pistols, ammunition and 22-kilograms of methylamphetamine hidden inside the roof space.
Inquiries with the Department of Immigration revealed the men, who are Estonian nationals, travelled to Perth on student visas.
Detectives will allege the men were sent to Australia to oversee the distribution of illicit drugs at the direction of a transnational organised crime group with links to local crime groups.
A 31-year-old Estonian national was charged with:
1 x Laundering Property/Money from Proceeds of Major Offence
1 x Possessed a Trafficable Quantity of Methylamphetamine With Intent to Sell or Supply it to Another
2 x Possess Firearm with Circumstances of Aggravation
1 x Unlicensed Person Possess Firearm/Ammunition
He is next due to appear in the Joondalup Magistrates Court on 4 October 2023.
A 28-year-old Estonian national was charged with:
1 x Laundering Property/Money from Proceeds of Major Offence
1 x Possessed a Trafficable Quantity of Methylamphetamine With Intent to Sell or Supply it to Another
2 x Possess Firearm with Circumstances of Aggravation
1 x Unlicensed Person Possess Firearm/Ammunition
1 x Possessed a Prohibited Drug
1 x Unlawfully Possessed a Controlled or Prescription Drug
He is next due to appear in the Joondalup Magistrates Court on 4 October 2023.
