Officers keep heat on would-be drug couriers

A crackdown on the importation of illicit drugs by boat has seen law enforcement agencies carry out a joint operation in WA’s north.

Australian Border Force, WA Police and the Australian Federal Police heightened patrols of the ports of Dampier and Port Hedland between January 30 and February 3.

The high visibility operation was aimed at sending a strong warning to criminals attempting to use Australia’s ports for their operations.

360kg of meth sailed on a slow boat from China to South Hedland

WA Police State Crime Commander Pryce Scanlan said police worked closely with the ABF and other agencies to prevent illicit contraband from reaching the community.

Officers boarded four vessels for compliance checks, inspected 66 maritime security identification cards and checked 31 international crew before they took shore leave.