Operation Estevan: WA Police, Australian Border Force and AFP expose organised crime network after drug bust

A foiled attempt to smuggle more than $170 million worth of methamphetamine into the country hidden in rice has allegedly uncovered a wider WA organised crime network. Operation Estevan, a joint exercise between WA Police, Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police was launched in December following the discovery of 185kg of drugs smuggled in a shipping consignment from Pakistan. “The seizure has prevented 1.8 million individual street deals, which could have put $171 million into the pockets of criminals,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Pryce Scanlan said. “During the course of Estevan, a threat to life was identified, requiring the team to respond quickly to mitigate the threat.” It’s alleged officers received intelligence that a 35-year-old man, and alleged ring leader of the foiled drug importation, was plotting to rob a vehicle at gunpoint carrying $300,000 in cash. WA Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Longhorn said the Doubleview man and his accomplice were caught on their way to commit the robbery. “When these individuals were intervened and arrested, one male was in possession of a loaded handgun, so their intent is clear,” he said. “It wasn’t going to take place in a dark back street. This was going to be in open air (in the middle of the day) with the community at risk. “We all know how this could have gone if it had gone wrong.” The man has been charged with four offences including drug trafficking. He’ll face Perth Magistrates Court on August 27. His alleged accomplice, a 35-year-old from Gwelup, has also been charged over his role in the alleged robbery. The two alleged victims, from Victoria have been charged over possession of illicit cash which was allegedly found in vacuum sealed bags and stored in a hidden compartment. In a separate drug bust in January, 15kg of meth was uncovered at Fremantle in a wooden furniture shipment from South Africa. ABF Assistant Commissioner Chris Waters said the drugs were seized and replaced with an inert substance before the shipment was released to its intended destination. “A Sydney man allegedly collected the consignment from a freight forwarder to send to the Eastern States,” Mr Waters said. “Investigators arrested the man. Seized two mobile phones and retrieved the consignment. “Police will allege that the man had flown into Perth from Sydney the day before to facilitate the transportation of the illicit drugs.” He’ll face court in Perth later this month. Since the start of the year authorities have seized more than 230 kilograms of methamphetamine as part of their ongoing operation targeting organised crime syndicates. A cache of illegal weapons and ammunition has been taken off the street during their search warrants. In another drug operation, a 41-year-old alleged Perth outlaw motorcycle gang member and his 34-year-old accomplice were caught red-handed by police collecting 30 kilograms of meth. They were arrested after a foot chase and allegedly found in possession of the drugs alongside a shovel, plastic tub, and night vision goggles. “Operation Estevan, once again highlights the links between illicit drugs and violent crime,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Scanlan said. “These people are the ones who are preying on our children, your friends, your neighbours. “Trying to get them hooked on these insidious drugs and turn them into people you do not recognise, people who rob, steal, lie and cheat.” The joint law enforcement operation remains ongoing, and police aren’t ruling out further arrests. They’re continuing to appeal for public tip-offs to Crime Stoppers.