A valuable tip to Crime Stoppers SA has led to the seizure of dangerous drugs and almost $50,000 cash after a raid on a north-eastern suburbs grow house.
SAPOL officers attended a Para Hills address on 14 October and executed a drug warrant with information provided by Crime Stoppers SA.
Minister for Police, Vincent Tarzia, said officers uncovered a cannabis grow room – eight plants – 800 grams of dried cannabis, approximately 45 grams of methamphetamine and $49,950 cash.
Two men from the address were arrested and charged with:
- Money laundering.
- Possessing a prescription drug.
- Trafficking a controlled drug.
- Cultivating cannabis.
- Possessing prescribed equipment.
- Interfering with an electricity meter.
- Unlawful possession.
- Possessing prescription medication.
"Any amount of drugs taken off the streets by SAPOL is a huge win for community safety," Minister Tarzia said.
"Drugs like methamphetamine ruin lives and destroy families.
"This significant seizure speaks to the strong relationship between SAPOL and Crime Stoppers SA. It's a hand in glove partnership and together they are a crime fighting force to be reckoned with.
"This bust is just one of so many reasons why the Marshall Liberal Government committed more than $800,000 in funding to Crime Stoppers SA to boost the safety and security of South Australians.
"Crime Stoppers SA is currently playing a significant role in collecting information about the alleged murders of Robert Atkins, Trevor King and Jeff Mundy.
"Task Force Southern has been formed to investigate and we are offering up to $600,000 in rewards for information that could lead to the conviction of those responsible.
"Crime Stoppers SA has helped bring closure to many families since its inception 25 years ago.
"If you have information about an unsolved crime or suspicious behaviour, contact Crime Stoppers SA on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au."
The results from the Para Hills raid contributed to SAPOL's October crime statistics which have been released today.
When the 12-month period from November 2020 to October 2021 is compared to the previous rolling year, the latest SAPOL data reveals that:
- Offences Against Person/Property decreased by 1% or 824 offences.
- Serious Criminal Trespass decreased by 3% or 469 offences.
- Total Offences Against Property decreased by 2% or 1,672 offences.
- Theft and Related Offences decreased by 4% or 1,957 offences.
- Receive or Handle Proceeds of Crime decreased by 25% or 411 offences.
- Other Theft decreased by 7% or 1,590 offences.
A small 4% rise in Total Offences Against the Person is a result of legislative and system changes to the recording of particular offences within the category. It does not reflect an actual increase in offending.
SAPOL's September crime statistics (October 2020 to September 2021) were also released today, showing:
- Offences Against Person/Property decreased by 4% or 3,930 offences.
- Serious Criminal Trespass decreased by 8% or 1,141 offences.
- Total Offences Against Property decreased by 5% or 4,824 offences.
- Theft and Related Offences decreased by 8% or 3,991 offences.
- Assault Police decreased by 15% or 76 offences.
- Property Damage and Environmental decreased by 3% or 714 offences.
For that period a slight 4% rise in Total Offences Against the Person was recorded but is also a result of legislative and system changes.
