00:00Operation Hollywood commenced in August 2025, targeting a group of persons suspected of
00:06trafficking illicit drugs in Western Australia. As a result of the investigation, between 6th
00:12and 8th of October 2025, search warrants were executed at addresses in Bennett Springs,
00:19Naranda, Balcata and Malaga. Police seized a quantity of illicit drugs and firearms during
00:26these searches. Approximately 11 kilograms of illicit drugs were seized, comprising of heroin,
00:33cocaine and meth. In one of the storage units, 11 operational firearms were seized. Police also
00:42located a large tub containing approximately 250 rounds of ammunition. Earlier today police conducted
00:49a further vehicle stop and over $220,000 in cash was seized, which we believe is linked to the above
00:58items and offences. Eight out of the 11 firearms have had serial numbers recovered. Four of the firearms
01:06have been identified as being stolen from rural Western Australian properties dating back to 2012.
01:13This seizure exposes the life cycle of firearms that begin in the lawful possession of licensed firearm
01:20holders. These 10 firearms were all at one stage, licensed firearms most likely in the possession of
01:28licensed firearm owners. Here we have them in a storage unit next to 10 kilograms of meth,
01:34in the hands of organized criminals. The co-location of firearms and illicit drugs is always concerning for
01:43police and represents a significant risk to the community and our officers. Also seized was an improvised
01:51firearm disguised as a toy capable of firing a .22 calibre round. The presence of an improvised weapon
01:59highlights the risk to the community and the need for continued policing effort in this space.
02:06Firearms in the hands of criminals puts us all at risk. Preventing this is and must be our focus and
02:14always will be.
02:23you
