Patrons have been asked if they want to buy drugs before they are even able to order a beer at some of Perth's licensed venues, senior police say.

The comments came after police seized illicit drugs worth more than $1 million in a series of coordinated raids on 40 homes across the city this week as part of a long-running investigation.

Superintendent Kim Massam said there was a concerning drug culture at Perth venues.

"We've seen stuff that's been alarming. The brazenness of some of the sellers in those areas is really quite amazing," he said.

"That we've been able to buy ecstasy before we've been able to buy beer is probably an example.

"The last thing we want is our children going into licensed premises, in our key entertainment areas, and the first thing they are asked is if they would like a pill of ecstasy.

"It was far too easy for these drugs to be sold in some of these premises."

Police say 14 alleged drug traffickers were among those caught in the raids. ( ABC News: Robert Koenig-Luck )

Detectives seized 5,000 ecstasy tablets and MDMA capsules in the early-morning raids, as well as methylamphetamine, cocaine, hallucinogens, cannabis and a poisonous chemical traditionally used by veterinarians to de-worm livestock.

A total of 56 people aged between 18 and 46 were charged with drug offences, including 14 alleged traffickers.

"Many of our offending cohort here are young men and women who seem to think that it's appropriate to sell small amounts of ecstasy in nightclubs to make a spare bit of cash for the weekend," Superintendent Massam said.

"Those people had a rude awakening at five o'clock yesterday morning when their world came crashing down around them when my detectives came through their door."

Superintendent Massam said a handful of those charged were employed at the venues, but stressed the industry had been proactive about stamping out drugs overall.

"I take my hat off to the liquor industry as a whole. Over many years we've worked very strongly together and I think this is another challenge for us," he said.