'Comprehensive concealment': NSW man charged over major WA drug bust
Police have intercepted a "serious organised crime operation", uncovering 25 kilograms of methamphetamine allegedly hidden in the rear compartments of a Toyota Hilux pulled over in WA's Wheatbelt on Wednesday.
The major seizure was uncovered by Organised Crime Squad detectives after a vehicle stop on Great Eastern Highway near Northam just before 10am.
There were two people, a man and a woman, in the Toyota Hilux as it drove towards Perth.
Police will allege they found about 25 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in the vehicle, as well as 280 grams of cocaine, about $13,500 in cash, a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition.
A 43-year-old man from Liverpool in NSW is facing five drug and weapon-related charges and is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said it will be alleged the drugs were comprehensively concealed within the Hilux.
He said the seizure equated to about $25 million worth of illegal drugs.
"We know the scourge that this drug, in particular meth, causes to our community," he said.
"This is a very serious disruption.
"We will allege that the drugs were concealed in rear compartments of the vehicle.
"It is a very comprehensive concealment. This is clearly alleged to be a very serious organised crime operation which we have disrupted.
"This is a very successful interruption."
Mr Dawson said the woman in the car had been released by police.
WA Police also released new details on Thursday surrounding Operation Actum, which began in April and involved police focusing specifically on disrupting meth supply in the community.
The operation has involved a total of 407 search warrants, which led to 158 arrests and more than 1670 charges.
Three kilograms of meth, 92 kilograms of cannabis and 39 guns were among the items seized as part of the operation.