CANBERRA, ACT, March 19 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:

This is a joint release between Australian Federal Police, Western Australia Police Force, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and AUSTRAC

Editor's note: An image of the seized item is available via Hightail.

Two men have been charged for their alleged roles in a plot to traffic 24kg of methamphetamine and 3.5kg of heroin inside a vehicle driven from South Australia to Western Australia.

The Western Australia Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (WA JOCTF) charged both men with drug possession offences after a traffic stop yesterday (18 March, 2026).

The men appeared in Midland Magistrates Court yesterday and are next scheduled to appear in court on 21 April, 2026.

A WA JOCTF investigation identified a suspicious white four-wheel-drive vehicle that had arrived in Perth from South Australia in the early hours of 18 March, 2026.

Police stopped the four-wheel-drive in Mundaring and searched the vehicle, allegedly finding 24kg of methamphetamine and 3.5kg of heroin inside plastic packaging and a small amount of cash.

As part of the investigation - which remains ongoing - officers from the South Australia JOCTF then assisted the WA JOCTF by executing a search warrant at a home in Mount Barker, South Australia, yesterday (18 March, 2026).

Following inquiries, the men - a 22-year-old from WA and a 32-year-old from South Australia - were each charged with:

* One count of possess traffickable quantity of methamphetamine with the intent to sell or supply, contrary to section 6(1)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA); and* One count of possess heroin with the intent to sell or supply, contrary to section 6(1)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA).

The maximum penalty for each offence is 25 years' imprisonment.

WA JOCTF Acting Inspector Dave Blockley said the WA JOCTF was committed to preventing dangerous illicit drugs from being trafficked into the state.

"Criminals will stop at nothing in an attempt to prey on members of the community and give zero regard to the significant pain and suffering illegal drugs inflict on the West Australian community," a/Insp Blockley said.

"The JOCTF's combination of capability, resources and partnerships send a strong warning to criminals that we are unwavering in our determination to stop them exploiting our communities."

The WA JOCTF combines the resources and capabilities of the AFP, WAPF, Australian Border Force, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and AUSTRAC, to target transnational serious organised criminals causing harm in WA and across Australia.

Note to media

Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.

* For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.* Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.* For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.