Tip-offs aid police in drugs raid

Three Pilbara residents were last week charged with a string of drug and firearm offences in Onslow, prompting an urgent call by police to report any suspicious behaviour. Onslow police, with help from Karratha detectives, searched a home last Tuesday and charged three residents with 15 offences. A 46-year-old man, a 44-year-old female and a 50-year-old male were charged after police received a tip-off from residents. The 46-year-old man faces nine charges, including two counts of carrying an unlicensed firearm or ammunition, and one count of sell or supply a prohibited drug. The 50-year-old man and 44-year-old woman both face charges, including possessing a prohibited drug and possessing drug paraphernalia. Onslow police officer-in-charge Sergeant Oliver Lund said the search warrant could not have occurred without the public’s help. “We need community members to share this sort of information with us so that we can turn it into actionable intelligence,” he said. “We’ve had some information that we received from a member of the public, which led to these warrants.” Sgt Lund said investigations were ongoing, and police were continuing to look at information gained from the operation. “It’s critical to have the community provide us with this information; they are our eyes on the street,” he said. “We can’t be everywhere at once, and generally, people get a feel for what is going on around their homes.” Sgt Lund said the information could be provided anonymously. “Even something that might seem minor or insignificant can be the crucial piece of the jigsaw puzzle,” he said. All three are due to face the Onslow court on June 9.