❓ A parliamentary question regarding recent drug raids and the government's approach to drug issues is answered by detailing Operation Sabre's results, extradition efforts, and contrasting the government's stance with the opposition's previous cannabis policies and current actions.
AnsweredQoN 197Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
POLICE — DRUG RAIDS
Through good resourcing by government and good policing, a series of significant drug raids were undertaken by police during the past week. Can the minister advise the house of the results of those raids and the government’s approach to the drug issue? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
Through good resourcing by government and good policing, a series of significant drug raids were undertaken by police during the past week. Can the minister advise the house of the results of those raids and the government’s approach to the drug issue? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his genuine interest in the fight against crime and drugs. We on this side of the house are in unison on the issue of fighting crime and drugs. I will bring to the attention of the house a very successful operation that took place last weekend called Operation Sabre. Nearly 300 police officers across the metropolitan area and regional Western Australia took part in that operation. It resulted in the execution of 30 search warrants; the arrests of 47 people; the issuing of 107 summonses; the issuing of five drug infringements; and three juvenile justice referrals. In total, 164 charges were laid. During the operation police seized a total of approximately 10.5 kilos of illicit drugs. They also seized—I find this very alarming—four firearms and 826 rounds of ammunition. The people who had those guns and that amount of ammunition must have been of the mind to use all those rounds of ammunition. To date, almost $100 000 in cash and nine motorcycles—which are suspected stolen—have been seized. Inquiries by proceeds of crimes officers are continuing as to further asset confiscations. We intend to confiscate whatever they have. In addition to this particular operation, on Tuesday the Western Australia Police successfully applied to a New South Wales court for the extradition of a New South Wales man to Western Australia so that he can face serious drug charges. That came about following a joint investigation with the New South Wales police. That is a clear example of the great work being done by the Western Australia Police in the fight against drugs. This government supports them 100 per cent. We are very serious about drugs, unlike members opposite. In 2003 after its so-called Drug Summit—it predominantly comprised people who like cannabis—the Labor government introduced its Cannabis Control Bill, which decriminalised the growing of marijuana plants. The law allowed two plants per person per household. A person can carry up to 30 grams of cannabis, which is a hell of a chunk of cannabis. The Labor government was almost encouraging people to grow their own and smoke their own! Labor members have since seen the error of their ways. The Liberal–National government’s Cannabis Law Reform Bill deals with cannabis in a more sensible way. It seeks to make the possession and growing of marijuana a criminal offence. In conclusion, one of the benefits of linking drugs with the stop-and-search legislation is that when people are stopped and searched and weapons are found on their person, if they are found in possession of drugs, those drugs will be taken from them and they will be charged with an offence. That process removes those drugs from the streets. The opposition has introduced its own bill, which is really tough. I commend the member for Girrawheen. However, it has had a change of heart. When the government introduced its bill, which is much more reasonable and sensible, the opposition opposed it. It is amazing. I have been informed that a member of the Leader of the Opposition’s staff was seen down St Georges Terrace a couple of weeks ago handing out leaflets that urged people to attend the rally opposing this government’s stop-and-search laws. Is that an appropriate way for taxpayers’ money to be expended? I find it incredible that the Leader of the Opposition would allow one of his staff members to hand out such leaflets. What hypocrisy. This government is committed to the fight against crime. We are absolutely committed to the fight against drugs. We will fight tooth and nail until we pass legislation in both houses that ensures that the people of Western Australia are safe from drugs and safe from weapons.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his genuine interest in the fight against crime and drugs. We on this side of the house are in unison on the issue of fighting crime and drugs. I will bring to the attention of the house a very successful operation that took place last weekend called Operation Sabre. Nearly 300 police officers across the metropolitan area and regional Western Australia took part in that operation. It resulted in the execution of 30 search warrants; the arrests of 47 people; the issuing of 107 summonses; the issuing of five drug infringements; and three juvenile justice referrals. In total, 164 charges were laid. During the operation police seized a total of approximately 10.5 kilos of illicit drugs. They also seized—I find this very alarming—four firearms and 826 rounds of ammunition. The people who had those guns and that amount of ammunition must have been of the mind to use all those rounds of ammunition. To date, almost $100 000 in cash and nine motorcycles—which are suspected stolen—have been seized. Inquiries by proceeds of crimes officers are continuing as to further asset confiscations. We intend to confiscate whatever they have. In addition to this particular operation, on Tuesday the Western Australia Police successfully applied to a New South Wales court for the extradition of a New South Wales man to Western Australia so that he can face serious drug charges. That came about following a joint investigation with the New South Wales police. That is a clear example of the great work being done by the Western Australia Police in the fight against drugs. This government supports them 100 per cent. We are very serious about drugs, unlike members opposite. In 2003 after its so-called Drug Summit—it predominantly comprised people who like cannabis—the Labor government introduced its Cannabis Control Bill, which decriminalised the growing of marijuana plants. The law allowed two plants per person per household. A person can carry up to 30 grams of cannabis, which is a hell of a chunk of cannabis. The Labor government was almost encouraging people to grow their own and smoke their own! Labor members have since seen the error of their ways. The Liberal–National government’s Cannabis Law Reform Bill deals with cannabis in a more sensible way. It seeks to make the possession and growing of marijuana a criminal offence. In conclusion, one of the benefits of linking drugs with the stop-and-search legislation is that when people are stopped and searched and weapons are found on their person, if they are found in possession of drugs, those drugs will be taken from them and they will be charged with an offence. That process removes those drugs from the streets. The opposition has introduced its own bill, which is really tough. I commend the member for Girrawheen. However, it has had a change of heart. When the government introduced its bill, which is much more reasonable and sensible, the opposition opposed it. It is amazing. I have been informed that a member of the Leader of the Opposition’s staff was seen down St Georges Terrace a couple of weeks ago handing out leaflets that urged people to attend the rally opposing this government’s stop-and-search laws. Is that an appropriate way for taxpayers’ money to be expended? I find it incredible that the Leader of the Opposition would allow one of his staff members to hand out such leaflets. What hypocrisy. This government is committed to the fight against crime. We are absolutely committed to the fight against drugs. We will fight tooth and nail until we pass legislation in both houses that ensures that the people of Western Australia are safe from drugs and safe from weapons.
I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his genuine interest in the fight against crime and drugs. We on this side of the house are in unison on the issue of fighting crime and drugs. I will bring to the attention of the house a very successful operation that took place last weekend called Operation Sabre. Nearly 300 police officers across the metropolitan area and regional Western Australia took part in that operation. It resulted in the execution of 30 search warrants; the arrests of 47 people; the issuing of 107 summonses; the issuing of five drug infringements; and three juvenile justice referrals. In total, 164 charges were laid. During the operation police seized a total of approximately 10.5 kilos of illicit drugs. They also seized—I find this very alarming—four firearms and 826 rounds of ammunition. The people who had those guns and that amount of ammunition must have been of the mind to use all those rounds of ammunition. To date, almost $100 000 in cash and nine motorcycles—which are suspected stolen—have been seized. Inquiries by proceeds of crimes officers are continuing as to further asset confiscations. We intend to confiscate whatever they have. In addition to this particular operation, on Tuesday the Western Australia Police successfully applied to a New South Wales court for the extradition of a New South Wales man to Western Australia so that he can face serious drug charges. That came about following a joint investigation with the New South Wales police. That is a clear example of the great work being done by the Western Australia Police in the fight against drugs. This government supports them 100 per cent. We are very serious about drugs, unlike members opposite. In 2003 after its so-called Drug Summit—it predominantly comprised people who like cannabis—the Labor government introduced its Cannabis Control Bill, which decriminalised the growing of marijuana plants. The law allowed two plants per person per household. A person can carry up to 30 grams of cannabis, which is a hell of a chunk of cannabis. The Labor government was almost encouraging people to grow their own and smoke their own! Labor members have since seen the error of their ways. The Liberal–National government’s Cannabis Law Reform Bill deals with cannabis in a more sensible way. It seeks to make the possession and growing of marijuana a criminal offence. In conclusion, one of the benefits of linking drugs with the stop-and-search legislation is that when people are stopped and searched and weapons are found on their person, if they are found in possession of drugs, those drugs will be taken from them and they will be charged with an offence. That process removes those drugs from the streets. The opposition has introduced its own bill, which is really tough. I commend the member for Girrawheen. However, it has had a change of heart. When the government introduced its bill, which is much more reasonable and sensible, the opposition opposed it. It is amazing. I have been informed that a member of the Leader of the Opposition’s staff was seen down St Georges Terrace a couple of weeks ago handing out leaflets that urged people to attend the rally opposing this government’s stop-and-search laws. Is that an appropriate way for taxpayers’ money to be expended? I find it incredible that the Leader of the Opposition would allow one of his staff members to hand out such leaflets. What hypocrisy. This government is committed to the fight against crime. We are absolutely committed to the fight against drugs. We will fight tooth and nail until we pass legislation in both houses that ensures that the people of Western Australia are safe from drugs and safe from weapons.
We are very serious about drugs, unlike members opposite. In 2003 after its so-called Drug Summit—it predominantly comprised people who like cannabis—the Labor government introduced its Cannabis Control Bill, which decriminalised the growing of marijuana plants. The law allowed two plants per person per household. A person can carry up to 30 grams of cannabis, which is a hell of a chunk of cannabis. The Labor government was almost encouraging people to grow their own and smoke their own! Labor members have since seen the error of their ways. The Liberal–National government’s Cannabis Law Reform Bill deals with cannabis in a more sensible way. It seeks to make the possession and growing of marijuana a criminal offence. In conclusion, one of the benefits of linking drugs with the stop-and-search legislation is that when people are stopped and searched and weapons are found on their person, if they are found in possession of drugs, those drugs will be taken from them and they will be charged with an offence. That process removes those drugs from the streets. The opposition has introduced its own bill, which is really tough. I commend the member for Girrawheen. However, it has had a change of heart. When the government introduced its bill, which is much more reasonable and sensible, the opposition opposed it. It is amazing. I have been informed that a member of the Leader of the Opposition’s staff was seen down St Georges Terrace a couple of weeks ago handing out leaflets that urged people to attend the rally opposing this government’s stop-and-search laws. Is that an appropriate way for taxpayers’ money to be expended? I find it incredible that the Leader of the Opposition would allow one of his staff members to hand out such leaflets. What hypocrisy. This government is committed to the fight against crime. We are absolutely committed to the fight against drugs. We will fight tooth and nail until we pass legislation in both houses that ensures that the people of Western Australia are safe from drugs and safe from weapons.
In conclusion, one of the benefits of linking drugs with the stop-and-search legislation is that when people are stopped and searched and weapons are found on their person, if they are found in possession of drugs, those drugs will be taken from them and they will be charged with an offence. That process removes those drugs from the streets. The opposition has introduced its own bill, which is really tough. I commend the member for Girrawheen. However, it has had a change of heart. When the government introduced its bill, which is much more reasonable and sensible, the opposition opposed it. It is amazing. I have been informed that a member of the Leader of the Opposition’s staff was seen down St Georges Terrace a couple of weeks ago handing out leaflets that urged people to attend the rally opposing this government’s stop-and-search laws. Is that an appropriate way for taxpayers’ money to be expended? I find it incredible that the Leader of the Opposition would allow one of his staff members to hand out such leaflets. What hypocrisy. This government is committed to the fight against crime. We are absolutely committed to the fight against drugs. We will fight tooth and nail until we pass legislation in both houses that ensures that the people of Western Australia are safe from drugs and safe from weapons.
This government is committed to the fight against crime. We are absolutely committed to the fight against drugs. We will fight tooth and nail until we pass legislation in both houses that ensures that the people of Western Australia are safe from drugs and safe from weapons.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his genuine interest in the fight against crime and drugs. We on this side of the house are in unison on the issue of fighting crime and drugs. I will bring to the attention of the house a very successful operation that took place last weekend called Operation Sabre. Nearly 300 police officers across the metropolitan area and regional Western Australia took part in that operation. It resulted in the execution of 30 search warrants; the arrests of 47 people; the issuing of 107 summonses; the issuing of five drug infringements; and three juvenile justice referrals. In total, 164 charges were laid. During the operation police seized a total of approximately 10.5 kilos of illicit drugs. They also seized—I find this very alarming—four firearms and 826 rounds of ammunition. The people who had those guns and that amount of ammunition must have been of the mind to use all those rounds of ammunition. To date, almost $100 000 in cash and nine motorcycles—which are suspected stolen—have been seized. Inquiries by proceeds of crimes officers are continuing as to further asset confiscations. We intend to confiscate whatever they have. In addition to this particular operation, on Tuesday the Western Australia Police successfully applied to a New South Wales court for the extradition of a New South Wales man to Western Australia so that he can face serious drug charges. That came about following a joint investigation with the New South Wales police. That is a clear example of the great work being done by the Western Australia Police in the fight against drugs. This government supports them 100 per cent. We are very serious about drugs, unlike members opposite. In 2003 after its so-called Drug Summit—it predominantly comprised people who like cannabis—the Labor government introduced its Cannabis Control Bill, which decriminalised the growing of marijuana plants. The law allowed two plants per person per household. A person can carry up to 30 grams of cannabis, which is a hell of a chunk of cannabis. The Labor government was almost encouraging people to grow their own and smoke their own! Labor members have since seen the error of their ways. The Liberal–National government’s Cannabis Law Reform Bill deals with cannabis in a more sensible way. It seeks to make the possession and growing of marijuana a criminal offence. In conclusion, one of the benefits of linking drugs with the stop-and-search legislation is that when people are stopped and searched and weapons are found on their person, if they are found in possession of drugs, those drugs will be taken from them and they will be charged with an offence. That process removes those drugs from the streets. The opposition has introduced its own bill, which is really tough. I commend the member for Girrawheen. However, it has had a change of heart. When the government introduced its bill, which is much more reasonable and sensible, the opposition opposed it. It is amazing. I have been informed that a member of the Leader of the Opposition’s staff was seen down St Georges Terrace a couple of weeks ago handing out leaflets that urged people to attend the rally opposing this government’s stop-and-search laws. Is that an appropriate way for taxpayers’ money to be expended? I find it incredible that the Leader of the Opposition would allow one of his staff members to hand out such leaflets. What hypocrisy. This government is committed to the fight against crime. We are absolutely committed to the fight against drugs. We will fight tooth and nail until we pass legislation in both houses that ensures that the people of Western Australia are safe from drugs and safe from weapons.
I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his genuine interest in the fight against crime and drugs. We on this side of the house are in unison on the issue of fighting crime and drugs. I will bring to the attention of the house a very successful operation that took place last weekend called Operation Sabre. Nearly 300 police officers across the metropolitan area and regional Western Australia took part in that operation. It resulted in the execution of 30 search warrants; the arrests of 47 people; the issuing of 107 summonses; the issuing of five drug infringements; and three juvenile justice referrals. In total, 164 charges were laid. During the operation police seized a total of approximately 10.5 kilos of illicit drugs. They also seized—I find this very alarming—four firearms and 826 rounds of ammunition. The people who had those guns and that amount of ammunition must have been of the mind to use all those rounds of ammunition. To date, almost $100 000 in cash and nine motorcycles—which are suspected stolen—have been seized. Inquiries by proceeds of crimes officers are continuing as to further asset confiscations. We intend to confiscate whatever they have. In addition to this particular operation, on Tuesday the Western Australia Police successfully applied to a New South Wales court for the extradition of a New South Wales man to Western Australia so that he can face serious drug charges. That came about following a joint investigation with the New South Wales police. That is a clear example of the great work being done by the Western Australia Police in the fight against drugs. This government supports them 100 per cent. We are very serious about drugs, unlike members opposite. In 2003 after its so-called Drug Summit—it predominantly comprised people who like cannabis—the Labor government introduced its Cannabis Control Bill, which decriminalised the growing of marijuana plants. The law allowed two plants per person per household. A person can carry up to 30 grams of cannabis, which is a hell of a chunk of cannabis. The Labor government was almost encouraging people to grow their own and smoke their own! Labor members have since seen the error of their ways. The Liberal–National government’s Cannabis Law Reform Bill deals with cannabis in a more sensible way. It seeks to make the possession and growing of marijuana a criminal offence. In conclusion, one of the benefits of linking drugs with the stop-and-search legislation is that when people are stopped and searched and weapons are found on their person, if they are found in possession of drugs, those drugs will be taken from them and they will be charged with an offence. That process removes those drugs from the streets. The opposition has introduced its own bill, which is really tough. I commend the member for Girrawheen. However, it has had a change of heart. When the government introduced its bill, which is much more reasonable and sensible, the opposition opposed it. It is amazing. I have been informed that a member of the Leader of the Opposition’s staff was seen down St Georges Terrace a couple of weeks ago handing out leaflets that urged people to attend the rally opposing this government’s stop-and-search laws. Is that an appropriate way for taxpayers’ money to be expended? I find it incredible that the Leader of the Opposition would allow one of his staff members to hand out such leaflets. What hypocrisy. This government is committed to the fight against crime. We are absolutely committed to the fight against drugs. We will fight tooth and nail until we pass legislation in both houses that ensures that the people of Western Australia are safe from drugs and safe from weapons.
We are very serious about drugs, unlike members opposite. In 2003 after its so-called Drug Summit—it predominantly comprised people who like cannabis—the Labor government introduced its Cannabis Control Bill, which decriminalised the growing of marijuana plants. The law allowed two plants per person per household. A person can carry up to 30 grams of cannabis, which is a hell of a chunk of cannabis. The Labor government was almost encouraging people to grow their own and smoke their own! Labor members have since seen the error of their ways. The Liberal–National government’s Cannabis Law Reform Bill deals with cannabis in a more sensible way. It seeks to make the possession and growing of marijuana a criminal offence. In conclusion, one of the benefits of linking drugs with the stop-and-search legislation is that when people are stopped and searched and weapons are found on their person, if they are found in possession of drugs, those drugs will be taken from them and they will be charged with an offence. That process removes those drugs from the streets. The opposition has introduced its own bill, which is really tough. I commend the member for Girrawheen. However, it has had a change of heart. When the government introduced its bill, which is much more reasonable and sensible, the opposition opposed it. It is amazing. I have been informed that a member of the Leader of the Opposition’s staff was seen down St Georges Terrace a couple of weeks ago handing out leaflets that urged people to attend the rally opposing this government’s stop-and-search laws. Is that an appropriate way for taxpayers’ money to be expended? I find it incredible that the Leader of the Opposition would allow one of his staff members to hand out such leaflets. What hypocrisy. This government is committed to the fight against crime. We are absolutely committed to the fight against drugs. We will fight tooth and nail until we pass legislation in both houses that ensures that the people of Western Australia are safe from drugs and safe from weapons.
In conclusion, one of the benefits of linking drugs with the stop-and-search legislation is that when people are stopped and searched and weapons are found on their person, if they are found in possession of drugs, those drugs will be taken from them and they will be charged with an offence. That process removes those drugs from the streets. The opposition has introduced its own bill, which is really tough. I commend the member for Girrawheen. However, it has had a change of heart. When the government introduced its bill, which is much more reasonable and sensible, the opposition opposed it. It is amazing. I have been informed that a member of the Leader of the Opposition’s staff was seen down St Georges Terrace a couple of weeks ago handing out leaflets that urged people to attend the rally opposing this government’s stop-and-search laws. Is that an appropriate way for taxpayers’ money to be expended? I find it incredible that the Leader of the Opposition would allow one of his staff members to hand out such leaflets. What hypocrisy. This government is committed to the fight against crime. We are absolutely committed to the fight against drugs. We will fight tooth and nail until we pass legislation in both houses that ensures that the people of Western Australia are safe from drugs and safe from weapons.
This government is committed to the fight against crime. We are absolutely committed to the fight against drugs. We will fight tooth and nail until we pass legislation in both houses that ensures that the people of Western Australia are safe from drugs and safe from weapons.
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