Invaluable information given to Crime Stoppers helps smash a drug distribution network in Perth.
A Perth mother stands accused of being a key member of a Perth drug distribution network which has been smashed by detectives as part of a six-month operation.
Over half a million dollars in cash — some of it hidden in reptile enclosures and fire extinguishers — and various deadly drugs have been taken off the streets as a result of the inquiry led by Cannington detectives. The police operation has resulted in the seizure of over $640,000 cash, as well as 400g of methamphetamine, 300g of MDMA, steroids, dexamphetamine and cannabis.
Sixteen people have been charged with over 100 offences.
Police will allege 45-yearold South Perth man Russell Idris Bevan and Cloverdale woman Tammy Nicole Hyde, 47, were “central” to the network.
Ms Hyde, a mother of four, is facing 67 charges — many of them drug related — while Mr Bevan is facing 11 offences.
They are both in custody.
The 14 other people charged are facing a range of offences including possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property, aggravated robbery, breaching bail, and stealing a motor vehicle.
The investigation was launched in November after police raided an alleged drug house in Cloverdale.
More warrants in South Perth, Como, Victoria Park, Thornlie, Kelmscott and Armadale were then carried out during the six-month inquiry, dubbed Operation Okra.
Detectives say their inquiries have dismantled a drug distribution network which was mainly operating in the Cannington district.
Police will allege a huge portion of the seized cash, some $520,000, was stashed at the Victoria Park home.
Some of the cash was allegedly hidden inside a reptile enclosure at the house.
Another $55,000, hidden inside a fire extinguisher, was found during a traffic stop along Mill Point Road and another $41,000 was allegedly found at a home in Armadale.
“Having identified a highharm residence in Cloverdale we embarked on Operation Okra in an effort to further identify individuals associated with the address, who were also involved in selling and using illicit substances,” Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ron Winkler said.
“Our objective was to disrupt and dismantle the drug distribution network operating in the Cannington district and I believe we have been effective in our aims.”
Acting Det. Sen. Sgt Winkler said information provided by the public through Crime Stoppers had been invaluable to the investigation.
Phil Hickey, The West Australian 31/5/20
