An alleged drug kingpin police say is linked to the seizure of methamphetamine, heroin and millions of dollars in cash in Western Australia has been arrested in North Macedonia after a major joint international operation.
WA Police detectives travelled to North Macedonia after an arrest warrant was issued for the 27-year-old former Perth resident.
Police allege he led the coordination, importation and distribution of illicit drugs and cash in the state.
Detective Superintendent John Hutchinson from WA's Serious and Organised Crime Division said the man did not enter WA during the alleged drug importation.
“It is alleged this 27 year old male led a coordinated and sophisticated drug syndicate who were involved in importing large quantities of drugs into Australia," he said.
“It is further alleged that he did that remotely, from North Macedonia and other parts of Europe, and he never actually set foot in Western Australia during this operation, although he is a previous resident of WA.
"This is a significant development in the ongoing fight against the supply of drugs in Perth in Western Australia."
Operation Comstock
The man came to the attention of WA Police during last year's Operation Comstock, which led to the seizure of drugs and cash, including $3 million concealed in a truck stopped at the Eucla border.
Police also found $1 million in cash in a van and $650,000 in a home in the Perth suburb of Kenwick.
Another $2.3 million was taken from "WA-based established criminal networks in exchange for illicit drugs", along with 3 kilograms of methylamphetamine and 750 grams of heroin.
Another 13 people were arrested in WA last year in relation to the offences.
On Thursday the North Macedonia Drug Squad executed two search warrants and took the 27-year-old into custody.
He has been charged under North Macedonian law with Criminal Association and Unauthorised Production Placing on the Market of Narcotic Drugs.
He has not been charged with any offences under Australian law and will not be extradited to Australia.
Detective Superintendent Hutchinson says the arrest shows police are prepared to cross transnational borders to pursue criminals targeting the state.
"This should send a clear message to other organised crime networks who are contemplating committing offences and supplying drugs in Western Australia that we're going to deliver on our promise that we will go wherever we need to and do whatever is lawfully able to do to apprehend these people."
