THE message is simple: there is a no tolerance stance on illicit drugs in Wagin.
This was made loud and clear last Friday when Wagin Police executed a series of drug warrants in Wagin.
With the co-operation of Katanning and Narrogin detectives and under the command of Sergeant Tim Murray of the Wagin Police, a number of houses in Wagin were raided at 6am.
Twelve officers were involved in the early morning operation and everybody had a designated position, leaving little room for error.
“The raid was planned out to the last detail and we were extremely organised and knew fully who our targets were,” Sgt Murray said.
“The raids were conducted simultaneously to eliminate the chance of suspects communicating with each other.”
Prepared for resistance, the police were armed with sledge hammers to open doors but on this occasion did not have to use them.
Sgt Murray said the raids came about as a mixed result of police information and members of the public participating in the Dob in a Druggie program, an initiative that began on July 1.
“We gather intelligence from other sources and the Dob in a Druggie program corroborates that,” Sgt Murray said.
With 31 years experience in the police force, Sgt Murray said the problem with amphetamine use in Wagin was strong enough to concern him.
“The extent of drug use is a real worry, especially for a town the size of Wagin,” Sgt Murray said.
“But I can assure you that this is just the start of our campaign to crack down on the drug problem and we have a number of other targets within our police sub-district.”
Sgt Murray was happy with the results of the raids and commended the head of the Great Southern Region, Superintendent Ross Tomasini with the creation of new district cells as contributing to the success.
There was a time when Wagin, Williams and Narrogin were all isolated and had to act alone.
Now, with the introduction of the district cells, the three towns work in partnership.
“Wagin, Williams and Narrogin are now all in the same cell,” Sgt Murray said.
“This means 25 police officers can be in Wagin within 30 minutes if it is an emergency operational necessity.”
He said this means drug raids similar to that of last Friday can and will occur when least expected.
Sgt Murray said he will continue to target drug use in the community but will not let anything else fall by the wayside.
“The Wagin Police will not lose their focus on road safety but there will be a major focus on criminality from now on,” Sgt. Murray said.
Numerous charges, including possession of amphetamines, drug implements and fire arms were laid as a result of the raids.
The charged residents will appear in court at a later date.
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