Aircraft reward for police involved in drug bust

26/11/93

A major Federal and State drug investigation, code-named 'Operation Silkworm', has paid dividends for the Western Australian police who assisted the Australian Federal Police in breaking a large-scale drug importation ring.

At the Jandakot police airwing near Perth today, the Federal Minister for Justice, Duncan Kerr, handed over a Beechcraft aircraft, seized during the operation, to Western Australian Police Minister Bob Wiese.

As part of the equitable sharing program under the Proceeds of Crimes Act, the Commonwealth presented the aircraft to the Western Australian police in recognition of their role in the drug investigation.  The six-seater twin engine Beechcraft Baron is valued at $165,000.

In August 1992, after a major surveillance operation, Federal and State police seized almost three tonnes of cannabis resin at Port Gregory.

Five people were charged with offences under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Act 1901.  Three people who pleaded not guilty are awaiting trial next year.  Two have pleaded guilty and been sentenced.

Their Beechcraft Baron aircraft, which was to have been used to transport the drugs inside Australia, was forfeited to the Commonwealth.  During the trial and subsequently, the aircraft was stored at the Jandakot police airwing.

Mr Kerr said Operation Silkworm was a good example of what could be achieved through co-operation between Federal and State police.

"It is only fitting that the Western Australian police are rewarded for their role in preventing a large supply of illegal drugs from being sold on the Australian market," Mr Kerr said.

Mr Wiese said the Western Australian police should feel very proud of themselves.

"Once it becomes operational, this aircraft will serve as a constant reminder of the valuable role the State police played in bringing Operation Silkworm to a successful conclusion," Mr Wiese said.

"The Federal Government responded swiftly to my request for the aircraft to be transferred to the State of Western Australia under the Proceeds of Crime Act."

Before the aircraft begins operation with the Western Australian police, it will be fitted with a police radio.  The Beechcraft is to be based in Kalgoorlie and will service the Goldfields area stretching as far as Eucla.

Media contacts: Cassandra O'Connor, Mr Kerr's office - 018 481 423

Tony Robertson, Mr Wiese's office - 09 222 9595 or 09 322 2311