Fortescue Metals Group's Christmas Creek iron ore mine site has been raided for drugs by WA Police, working in cooperation with the company, as part of a crackdown of mine sites across the state.
Fortescue Metals Group's Christmas Creek iron ore mine site has been raided for drugs by WA Police, working in cooperation with the company, as part of a crackdown of mine sites across the state.
FMG chief executive Nev Power said police were at the airport with sniffer dogs checking people and luggage as they entered the mine site.
“As part of Fortescue’s zero tolerance policy on the use and possession of illegal drugs, our company is leading an industry-wide anti-drug operation in conjunction with the Western Australian Police,” he said.
“Today leaders from Fortescue escorted a police team, including sniffer dogs, as they conducted random drug searches on inbound flights carrying employees and contractors to our Christmas Creek mine.
According to media reports, about 300 workers from two inbound flights to the Pilbara site were stopped by police.
The drug raid resulted in no arrests, however one contractor was issued a summons for possessing drugs without a prescription, while another is waiting further lab tests after returning a "non-negative" result.
A spokesperson from WA Police was unable to confirm the department’s intentions to investigate other mine sites at the risk of giving mining employees a “heads up”.
However, the spokesperson said there was a plan in place and it would be an ongoing investigation.
WA Police regional commander Murray Smalpage said people could expect to see more police action as part of a community and industry-wide crackdown on drugs.
Mr Power said the company was working with police to provide them access to the Christmas Creek site as well as company planes.
He said he was not aware of any arrests yet, but anyone found with drugs would be taken off site immediately.
“Illegal drugs do not belong in the mining industry, just as they do not belong in the community, and anyone who uses illegal drugs on a Fortescue site is putting the safety of themselves and their mates at risk, which is unacceptable,” Mr Power said.
Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia chief executive Reg Howard-Smith said he was pleased resources companies such as FMG were offering the police cooperation and support.
“Illicit drugs are a serious issue, not just due to the significant community impact, but with regards to the resources sector the use of illicit substances and alcohol are critical safety issues,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
“There is no greater priority for the resources sector than the health and safety of employees. Everyone has a right to go home safely at the end of the day.”