POLICE CRACK WA DRUG SYNDICATES

In Western Australia, police have disrupted two major drug syndicates
and recovered about 5.6 kilograms of heroin, with an estimated street
value of more than $6 million.

Eleven people have been arrested as a result of two police operations,
codenamed 'Uncut' and 'Whiteheads', which were set up to focus on
syndicates involving mainly south-east Asian and eastern European nationals.

Superintendent Fred Gere says it is alleged the heroin was imported
from overseas and purchased in the eastern states, before it was
trafficked into WA.

He says the seizures have certainly made an impact on the distribution
of heroin and the flow of the drug into Western Australia.

"We saw this as a couple of syndicates that have been operating in
Perth for some time that have probably gone untouched and therefore
we've decided to look at them," he said.

"There is no doubt these syndicates absolutely surprised us when we
looked at the seizures that we've taken out from members of these
particular syndicates."