William St, Lalor driver arrested on drugs, weapons charges after community response

An alleged drug-trafficker has had his stash seized after community members raised the alarm about some concerning behaviour.

A Lalor man will face court on drugs and weapons charges after community members dobbed him into police for allegedly driving under the influence in a residential area.

The 45-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday, April 19, after members of the public flagged down officers patrolling William St, Lalor, to report an “erratic” driver.

Police ordered the driver to take a drug impairment assessment, and searched his car and residential address – allegedly locating quantities of marijuana, mature marijuana plants, prescription drugs, and a fold-out knife.

The man was charged with drug cultivation, drug trafficking, drug possession, possessing a controlled weapon, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

He was released on bail to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates Court in August.

A police spokesman commended community members who played a role in the arrest.

“Without the community’s involvement, [police] might not have seen or noticed this man who definitely should not have been driving,” the spokesman said.