Drugs and firearms seized in regional property raids

LIMESTONE Coast Police are continuing to crack down on crime, seizing a range of firearms and drugs during property raids across the region in recent days.

The volume crime team first conducted a search on a property in Tarpeena on June 10 where it uncovered traffickable quantities of the illicit substance fantasy and other drug implements.

During the search, officers also found a large number of tools, which they ascertained to be stolen.

No one was arrested in relation to the finding, however enquiries are continuing and police have persons of interest they wish to interview.

The following day, police executed a warrant in Mount Gambier and located a man in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine and $4000 cash.

Further searches of the premises uncovered a PVC pipe buried in the backyard, which contained an ounce of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.

The occupant of the premises was charged with trafficking offences, while another man was also arrested.

In Bordertown on Monday, Limestone Coast Police attended another address where they arrested a 32-year-old man for being in possession of unlawful firearms.

The firearms and ammunition were unsecured at the premises.

The man was also arrested for being in possession of a traffickable amount of cannabis.

The seizure of firearms comes just days after police located four illegal firearms in searches across Mount Gambier.

Police also searched another property in Bordertown and located half a kilogram of cannabis, $4500 cash, electric scales and plastic seal bags.

Further enquiries are being conducted into those findings, however a 50-year-old man was issued with an expiation notice in relation to possessing cannabis.

Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Phil Hoff said it was a timely reminder police would continue to crack down on criminal activity.

“We have a particular interest in people who have unlawful weapons and want to engage in drug trafficking,” Supt Hoff said.

“While it is pleasing to get these criminals off the street it would be far better if they were not engaging in this activity.”

Supt Hoff said people who felt the urge to resort to crime should seek advice about their decision-making.

“People who resort to crime to facilitate their lifestyle have not explored all the opportunities available to them,” Supt Hoff said.

“If people want advice they can come forward to the police and we will provide it to them.”

However, he admitted the offending in this instance appeared more sinister.

“This sort of offending is sinister and is only one edge of an evil influence that destroys many young lives and families – however it is not only young lives that it destroys,” he said.

“The best easy we can get the scourge of these things off the street is if we know about them.

“We need people to contact us and we need more than just a hunch – we need a little bit of detail so we can follow up accordingly.”

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity can contact the police assistance line on 131 444 or if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.