Perth Drug Bust, Cloverdale Tragedy and Lancelin Erosion Talks

Police intercepted a suspected drug trafficker during peak-hour traffic on Great Eastern Highway in Perth on Thursday, seizing close to 30 kilograms of illicit substances in what authorities have described as a significant operation.

Andrew Saler, 44, from New South Wales, was dragged from his utility vehicle as officers moved in, surrounding the car and pinning the man to the ground within seconds. The dramatic takedown was captured on camera by a passing news crew who happened to be driving through the area on their way to another story.

Police allege Saler was in possession of 28 kilograms of methamphetamine, cocaine and the prescription drug sildenafil. He is further accused of selling methamphetamine in Caranup on the day of his arrest and at a separate location in North Perth earlier in July. Saler appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday, where police prosecutors argued he posed a severe flight risk. He remains in custody and is expected to apply for bail next week. Two co-accused facing related serious drug charges were also remanded in custody.

In a separate and distressing incident in Perth's inner suburb of Cloverdale, a five-year-old boy died on Thursday afternoon after being struck by a four-wheel drive on a busy road. The child, whose family had recently arrived in the area while searching for a home, ran onto the road and was hit by the oncoming vehicle. His mother, who reportedly threw herself in the path of the car in an attempt to protect her son, was also struck and suffered critical injuries. She was transported to Royal Perth Hospital, where she has since been listed in a stable condition.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and heartbreak as bystanders rushed to assist. A nearby resident performed CPR on the boy until paramedics arrived, but the child could not be saved and was pronounced dead before reaching hospital. The family's father and older child were in the immediate vicinity at the time. Coaches at a nearby soccer training session moved to shield young players from the unfolding emergency. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was not physically injured. Police are continuing their investigation.

On WA's coast, the newly appointed minister responsible for coastal management, John Kerry, has wasted little time making his presence felt in Lancelin, meeting directly with local business owners who have long been calling for government action on worsening coastal erosion. Kerry visited the town's pub owner just two days into his new role, pledging to engage directly with those affected by the encroaching shoreline.

The portfolio previously sat with minister Jessica Stoykovsky, who was stripped of the responsibility during a cabinet reshuffle — a move the state opposition characterised as a direct consequence of her handling of the Lancelin issue, following an interview in which she indicated the matter was not a current priority. Kerry stopped short of criticising his predecessor but made clear that local engagement would be central to his approach, noting the state government's role was to provide technical advice and funding in support of the Shire's coastal hazard management plan.