The Aus/NZ/Asian Drug Busts Mega-Thread El Número Cuatro

[poledriver]

Man charged with drug offences - Lake Illawarra LAC

An Albion Park man will appear in court next month after being charged with drug offences.

About 6.20pm on Saturday 2 March 2013, officers attached to the Lake Illawarra Proactive Crime Team were patrolling in Russell Street, Albion Park, when they noticed a man sitting inside a lone vehicle in a car park.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police seized just over nine grams cannabis and a set of electronic scales, along with 139 Ecstasy tablets.

Police also searched a residence in Tuross Street, Albion Park, where they seized 10 steroid tablets.

Officers arrested a 22-year-old man and took him to Lake Illawarra Police Station.

The man was charged with knowingly deal in proceeds of crime; supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity); possess steroids; and possess prohibited drug.

He was granted conditional bail to appear in Albion Park Local Court on 3 April 2013.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI4OTMyLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[poledriver]

Mardi Gras revellers charged with drug offences
Posted 8 hours 44 minutes ago

RELATED STORY: Sydney Mardi Gras parade 2013
MAP: Sydney 2000
Almost 100 people are facing drug charges after attending a Sydney Mardi Gras afterparty.

The revellers were caught during a police operation involving the dog unit that was held to coincide with last night's event.

Police charged 96 people with drug possession and issued three cannabis cautions.

Another man has also been arrested in connection with the theft of tickets worth $10,000.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-03/mardi-gras-revellers-charged-with-drug-offences/4549864

96 partygoers caught with drugs - Moore Park

Police have caught almost 100 revellers with drugs at the Sydney Mardi Gras ‘After Party’ overnight.

Officers from Surry Hills Local Area Command and the Dog Unit conducted a four-hour drug detection operation to coincide with the event at Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park.

More than 200 partygoers were searched by police.

Ninety-six people were charged with drug possession, while three were issued cannabis cautions.

Police also arrested a man in relation to the theft of tickets to the event valued at $10,000. Inquiries are continuing into that arrest..

Surry Hills Local Area Command Duty Officer, Inspector Stephen Crews, said the operation was mounted to ensure the safety and security of all partygoers.

“We make no apologies for doing what we can to stop people taking drugs into this type of event,” Inspector Crews said.

“We want everyone who attends these parties to have a good time in a safe and secure environment.”

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI4OTA4Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[poledriver]

Almost 20 kilograms of drugs seized in Sydney

Customs and Border Protection officers seized almost 20 kilograms of precursor drugs in Sydney over the week ending Saturday 2 March.

The seizures included 6.1 kilograms of pseudoephedrine and 12.6 kilograms of ContacNT, taken from 7 parcels travelling from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam.

Customs and Border Protection National Manager of Cargo Operations, Jagtej Singh, acknowledged the hard work of the Customs and Border Protection officers and commented on the agency’s commitment to protect Australian borders.

“Customs and Border Protection is committed to targeting illicit drug trade and preventing dangerous drugs from entering Australia and reaching our communities.

“No matter the complexity or size of concealments, our dedicated officers have the training and technology to detect and seize these prohibited substances,” Mr Singh said.

The drugs were concealed in household dusters, the sides of cardboard boxes, hair shampoos, curtain rods and water pumps. Initial testing returned positive results for the precursor drugs ContacNT and pseudoephedrine.

ContacNT is a cold and flu medication in some international markets and contains high levels of pseudoephedrine, a precursor substance which is used to manufacture amphetamine-type substances, including methamphetamine (‘ice’).

It is prohibited to import pseudoephedrine into Australia without a permit. Those caught importing a marketable amount of a border controlled precursor, such as ContacNT or pseudoephedrine, could face a fine of up to $510,000 and/or 15 years in prison.

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/130305mediarelease_20kgsdrugs.asp

 

[poledriver]

Police seize more than $4 million worth of cannabis - Richmond LAC

Police have seized more than $4 million worth of cannabis during the fifth round of the NSW Police Force’s 2012-2013 Cannabis Eradication Program.

The latest round of raids, which commenced on Sunday (3 March 2013) and concluded yesterday (Thursday 7 March 2013), focused on cannabis crops in the Richmond Local Area Command in northern NSW.

Officers seized plants from a number of locations, including Boorabee, Gradys Creek, Nimbin, Rapville and Tabulam.

In total, 2099 plants with an estimated street value of $4.2 million were seized and destroyed by police.

As a result of the raids, two people have been charged with drug-related offences and issued with court attendance notices. More people are expected to be charged in the coming weeks.

This week’s raids follow recent operations in the Coffs/Clarence, New England, Mid North Coast and Tweed/Byron Local Area Commands.

Commander of the State Crime Command’s Drug Squad, Detective Superintendent Nick Bingham, said the program, which has been running since the mid 1980s, had prevented more than $240 million worth of cannabis reaching NSW streets.

“The ultimate goal of the Cannabis Eradication Program is to reduce the drug’s availability on our streets,” Detective Superintendent Bingham said.

“For more than two decades, the program has proven to be extremely successful and we will continue to raid, seize and destroy cannabis crops in the months ahead.”

Detective Superintendent Bingham added that if it weren’t for the assistance police received from the community, the program would not have achieved the results it has to date.

“In addition to the highly skilled officers and cutting-edge technology we have at our disposal, the information and intelligence we get from the community is invaluable,” Detective Superintendent Bingham said.

“If you have any information regarding cannabis crops, no matter how seemingly insignificant, please let us know via Crime Stoppers.

“Information can be provided anonymously and will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”

The NSW Police Force’s Cannabis Eradication Program is run annually and involves officers from the SCC Drug Squad, the Dog Unit, the Aviation Support Branch (ASB), Metropolitan Radio Network Services and numerous Local Area Commands throughout the state.

Richmond Local Area Commander, Superintendent Greg Martin, thanked local residents, businesses and the specialist police squads for their support.

“Over the last week, local police, local community members and our specialist colleagues in the Drug Squad, Dog Squad and ASB, have worked hard to destroy local cannabis crops,” Superintendent Martin said.

“We are committed to our ongoing battle with the illegal drug trade and will continue to do everything we can to find and seize drugs before they are distributed into the wider community.”

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI5MDA3Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[poledriver]

Police seize cannabis, hydro-house equipment - Kirrawee

Police have charged a man with drug offences after seizing cannabis plants, leaf and oil from a factory unit in Sydney’s south.

About 1.20pm yesterday (Thursday 7 March 2013), police attached to the Redfern Region Enforcement Squad attended the unit on Bath Road, Kirrawee.

Officers executed a search warrant at the property, during which they seized 88 cannabis plants, 230 grams of cannabis leaf and 650 grams of cannabis oil.

Police also seized equipment used in the hydroponic cultivation of cannabis and the manufacture of cannabis oil.

A 43-year-old man was arrested at the address and taken to Sutherland Police Station.

He was subsequently charged with possess prohibited drug; cultivate prohibited plant - commercial quantity, cannabis; and manufacture prohibited drug - commercial quantity.

The man was refused bail to appear in Sutherland Local Court today (Friday 8 March 2013).

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI5MDA1Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[poledriver]

Record forfeiture to crown for drug offender - NZ

Drug kingpin Stephen John Gray has been sentenced to 12 years in prison and forced to hand over more than $5 million of assets - the largest forfeiture in New Zealand history.

The 56-year-old was sentenced for his "calculated offending" when he appeared before the High Court at Auckland this morning.

Gray had five years knocked off his original sentence because he agreed to give $2.7m worth of property and cars, as well as $2.4m of profits from his drug dealing enterprise, to the Crown.

The well known businessman, who ran car yards in Hamilton, was convicted of manufacturing and supplying methamphetamine after a trial in the High Court at Hamilton late last year.

He was also found guilty of cultivating and supplying cannabis, and supplying ecstasy and LSD.

Imposing a minimum non-parole period of five-and-a-half years, Justice John Priestley said Gray was the "architect and principal operator" of a substantial drug selling operation from which he must have reaped huge returns.


His arrest followed a five-month investigation in 2009 by the Waikato organised crime squad - codenamed Operation Cape.

The court was told police intercepted communications between Gray and his associates which indicated he had sold more than 1.682 kilograms of methamphetamine.

More than $150,000 cash was found in Gray's home near Hamilton, as well as 183g of P - with a street value of more than $180,000.

Police also found cannabis plants growing among shrubs on his driveway, and cannabis stashed in a lawn mower catcher.

Secreted on his 295ha farm near Raglan, dug into hillsides and camouflaged, were devices and substances associated with methamphetamine manufacture.

During his trial, Gray gave evidence that he had only sold small quantities of drugs, and the money found in his home was earned legitimately as a car dealer.

Justice Priestley said he found his evidence "unconvincing and undoubtedly fabricated".

"Your brazenness and your calculated offending is disturbing. You were a drug supplier on a major scale and deserving of severe punishment.

"You were well aware of the destructive force of the drugs you were selling and the misery it could bring to other lives. You benefited from a constant flow of untaxed drug money. You well knew the risks. This was not impulse offending, or one-off offending, it was deliberate and sustained."

Five others, including Gray's son, were also convicted or pleaded guilty to drugs charges.

Justice Priestley criticised Gray for encouraging his son to become involved in his various illegal activities.

"You now stand to lose a substantial portion of your assets - over $5m. A lengthy term of imprisonment, as you know, will be imposed on you. You have brought shame and disgrace on yourself and, to a degree, on your family."

Justice Priestley determined the $2.7m worth of property and cars forfeited to the Crown could be seen as a mitigating factor because they were not proceeds from his crimes, while the $2.4m in drug money did not result in any sentence reduction.

Detective Sergeant Craig Hamilton of the Waikato organised crime squad said Gray's wealth was a direct result of making and selling methamphetamine.

"That means he can't keep it. Buying flash houses and farms doesn't legitimise drug money and the 2009 Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act ensures that we can get at the cash and the

properties."

It is the second such forfeiture in two days.

An order of $1.2m was made against Auckland man Feng Chih Hsu in the High Court at Auckland yesterday after he was found guilty of large scale methamphetamine and firearms offending.

Detective Superintendent Peter Devoy, national manager financial crime group, said asset recovery units were having significant successes under the legislation.

"Combining the two results means we have taken $6.3m back from drug offenders over the past two days."

Police currently hold restraining orders over assets worth an estimated $109.5m

Police Minister Anne Tolley said 322 assets worth an estimated $26m had been forfeited since the Government introduced the proceeds of crime recovery act in December 2009.

"Criminals are getting what they deserve, and need to get the message that we are serious about locking them up and putting them out of business."

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10870011

 

[poledriver]

Court jails 'one of biggest drug dealers in Broome'

Detectives say a 50-year-old Broome man, jailed yesterday for drug offences, may have been one of the town's biggest dealers.

Russel Gordon Major was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for possession of drugs with intent to sell or supply and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

In sentencing, the judge condemned Major's actions as a "tragedy" for his wife, who has breast cancer, and his three sons.

Senior Sergeant Brett Baddock says the conviction could have a big impact on Broome's drug trade.

"We can only base our opinion of where this person fits on the drug ladder by the amount of the seizure," he said.

"It was 33 grams of high-grade methyamphetamine, which is a trafficable quantity.

"The law recognises that as a large quantity, so I would say that he was one of our biggest drug dealers in Broome.

"I hope that this sentence sends a clear message to those who choose to be involved in drug distribution that it comes with risk and that's a huge risk.

"Russel Major will face the next four-and-a-half years without waking up next to his wife, without seeing or playing with his children and to be honest that's a tragedy situation for a family but there's only one person responsible for that tragedy and that's Russel Major."

Major may have assets, including his house and wife's internet cafe, seized.

He was made eligible for parole.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-07/court-jails-one-of-biggest-drug-dealers-in-broome/4558744

 

[poledriver]

Passenger arriving in Adelaide caught carrying 2.5kg of heroin

A 21year-old-man from Vietnam has been charged with allegedly importing two and a half kilos of heroin into Australia after a joint operation at Adelaide International Airport yesterday (Saturday).

The man arrived at Adelaide airport on a flight from Singapore and was targeted by Customs and Border Protection officers. X-ray examination of the man’s luggage showed irregularities in a box of cushions.

The package was sampled and returned a presumptive positive test for heroin.

Australian Federal Police officers arrested the man and charged him with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to Section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act (1995). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.

The man will face the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday (12 March 2013).

AFP Manager Adelaide Office, Commander Mick Calatzis said that this interception is a good demonstration of the combined effort in place to stop drugs entering Australia.

“The AFP and Customs and Border Protection share a common goal to protect our community by ensuring that these illegal and dangerous drugs never hit the streets,” Commander Calatzis said.

“This interception means that thousands of hits of heroin will never be made available. This can only be a good thing for the people of South Australia.”

Customs and Border Protection National Manager Airport Operations South, Tonie Differding, said that this detection highlighted the excellent results achieved when partner law enforcement agencies work together closely.

"Our officers, together with the AFP, are committed to detecting and seizing these illicit drugs," Mrs Differding said.

"I’d warn anyone considering this dangerous trade that Customs and Border Protection will continue to target such narcotics in partnership with the AFP."

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...and a half kilos of heroin into adelaide.aspx

 

[poledriver]

Police charge 140 with offences and remind under 18s to act responsibly at weekend music festival

Police have charged 140 people with offences at a music festival in Sydney’s east and are warning under 18s attending a festival today to heed warnings about drug and alcohol use.

The annual Future Music Festival was held yesterday (Saturday 9 March 2013) at Randwick Racecourse with about 50,000 revellers attending the over 18’s event.

An under-18s music festival, ‘GoodLife,’ will be held for the first time today (Sunday 10 March 2013), from 1pm to 8pm.

Officers from Eastern Beaches Local Area Command were joined by police from specialist units to patrol yesterday’s event.

They were conducting a high-visibility operation – led by the Central Metropolitan Region – which targeted anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related crime, and illegal drug use and supply.

The operation also included licensing police and officers from the Dog unit.

Four people suffered serious medical complications, the result of suspected drug overdoses, while 500 people were treated for other issues, mainly dehydration.

In all, 140 people were arrested by police patrolling the event, with the majority of those for a variety of drug offences, an assault and breach of bail.

During the event, 164 people were ejected, while 165 were searched and moved on.

Officers also issued 16 infringement notices to people for fail to quit, and a further 17, largely for offensive behaviour.

Officers seized an amount of powder and cannabis, as well as more than 300 tablets, believed to be prohibited drugs.

Each person charged was granted conditional bail to appear in Waverley Local Court on Monday 3 April 2013.

Among those charged were:

– A 21-year-old Surry Hills man – Charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime;

– A 21-year-old Engadine man – Charged with supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug (two counts);

– A 19-year-old Emu Plains man – Charged with supply prohibited drug , possess prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime;

– An 18-year-old Glenwood man – Charged with supply prohibited drug (two counts) and possess prohibited drug (two counts);

– A 19-year-old Schofields man – Charged with supply prohibited drug (two counts) and possess prohibited drug (two counts);

– A 22-year-old Bellambi man – Issued court attendance notice for supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug;

– A 19-year-old Riverstone man – Charged with supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug;

– A 21-year-old Giralang (ACT) man – Charged with supply prohibited drug (three counts), possess prohibited drug (three counts) and deal with proceeds of crime;

– A 19-year-old Emu Plains man – Charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime;

– An 18-year-old Casula man – Charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime;

– An 18-year-old Point Cook (VIC) woman – Charged with supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity);

– An 19-year-old Lakemba man – Charged with supply prohibited drug;

– An 18-year-old Belmore man – Charged with supply prohibited drug;

– An 18-year-old Macquarie Fields woman – Charged with supply prohibited drug;

– A 19-year-old Cowell man – Charged with supply prohibited drug;

– A 19-year-old Fairfield man – Charged with supply prohibited drug;

– A 23-year-old Oatley man – Charged with supply prohibited drug; and

– A 16-year-old male Italian national – Charged with supply prohibited drug;

Superintendent Gavin Dengate, Eastern Beaches Local Area Commander, said police are warning those attending the under-18s music festival today to ensure they listen to warnings about drug and alcohol use, as well as anti-social behaviour.

“Under 18s attending today’s event need to ensure they are obeying the law by not bringing prohibited drugs and alcohol into the event.

“Party goers are encouraged to come out and enjoy the day, but keep in the back of their mind that police will be patrolling the grounds and not to do anything they shouldn’t.

“We do not want to see anyone come unstuck by thinking they’re above the law, and result in them facing action by police.

“Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol who feels unwell should seek immediate help and medical attention through first aid officers or police on site.

“Police also urge festival goers to use public transport to and from the venue, where possible.

“In addition, we ask those who may be dropping off young people to do so at the sign-posted areas on Driver Avenue at Moore Park, where free buses will operate between there and the festival venue. Police will be on hand to assist with this,” Superintendent Dengate added.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI5MDM4Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[Jabberwocky]

'PSY ACID': Teens rushed to hospital

POLICE have issued a warning about a bad batch of LSD imprinted with an image of pop icon Psy doing a 'Gangnam Style' dance - after five teenagers were hospitalised at the weekend.

A 15 year-old-girl was rushed to hospital after taking the drug at a birthday party in Boambee East, near the NSW North Coast town of Coffs Harbour, on Saturday.

At 11pm the same night, police were called to another party in nearby Toormina because a 15-year-old boy who had taken a tab of acid had become violent.

Police have launched an investigation into the drug as it is believed a batch of the drug is circulating. An 18-year-old man was charged with the offence of supplying a prohibited drug after being interviewed by police today. He is expected to face Coffs Harbour Local Court on April 29.

Four Sydney teenagers were also rushed to hospital after overdosing on LSD at a beach party on Friday night.

Police and ambulance were called to Balmoral Beach, about 9pm, when four 17 year olds became violently ill from what is believed to have been a bad batch of the drug.

The teens were all taken by ambulance to Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment.

It is understood the teens had mixed LSD and marijuana, prior to becoming ill. Harbourside police said they were investigating where these drugs came from and what exactly they contained.

Detective Inspector Cameron Lindsay from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command urged anyone thinking of taking illicit drugs to be careful.

"Taking any drug carries with it an unacceptable risk, but we would ask extra precaution to be taken in the area following these incidents."

"There is clearly more of this drug circulating in the community and anyone who consumes it carries with them the risk of permanent brain damage or death."

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national-new...ng/story-fncynjr2-1226594845685#ixzz2NCirQvYZ

 

[poledriver]

Police warn public over bad 'acid' tabs - Coffs/Clarence LAC

Monday, 11 March 2013 02:35:02 PM

Police are warning the public about a bad batch of the drug ‘acid’ (LSD) which appears to be circulating on the north coast.

On Saturday (9 March 2013), a 15-year-old girl was hospitalised at a birthday party in Boambee East after taking an illicit drug she believed to be ‘acid’, and having a bad reaction.

The girl was taken to Coffs Harbour Health Campus in a critical condition and put on life support. Police were not notified about the incident.

About 11pm the same night, police were called to another party in Toormina in relation to a violent 15-year-old boy who was suffering hallucinations after also consuming an ‘acid’ tab.

Police from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command became aware that it is likely more of the drug is circulating in the Toormina and Boambee area. An investigation was commenced.

Today (Monday 11 March 2013), an 18-year-old male was interviewed by detectives at a residence in Toormina.

As a result he was subsequently charged via Future Service Can for the offence of supply prohibited drug.

He is expected to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on 29 April 2013.

Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Cameron Lindsay, Crime Manager at Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command, has urged caution to anyone thinking of consuming illicit drugs in the region.

“Taking any drug carries with it an unacceptable risk, but we would ask extra precaution to be taken in the area following these incidents.”

“There is clearly more of this drug circulating in the community and anyone who consumes it carries with them the risk of permanent brain damage or death.”

“These particular tabs are identifiable due to an imprint on the paper of recording artist Psy doing the ‘gangnam style’ dance,” Detective Inspector Lindsay said.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI5MDYzLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[drug_mentor]

Hey guys, deleted some comments from here. Here is the thread for commenting on news articles, this thread is solely for the purpose of posting news articles and no comments are allowed.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Cops smash heroin supply ring

POLICE have smashed a heroin supply ring in the south west Sydney seizing a range of drugs, weapons and cash in the process.

An investigation launched last month into the selling of heroin in the area led Liverpool detectives to a premises on Birdwood Ave, Cabramatta yesterday.

Two men were arrested after a search uncovered amphetamine and cannabis as well as cash and knuckle dusters, police said.

A 56 year old man was charged with ongoing supply of a prohibited drug, possess a prohibited drug and possession of a prohibited weapon and will appear in Campbelltown Local Court today.

A 48 year old man was charged with two counts of supply a prohibited drug and will appear at Campbelltown Local Court early next month.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/cops-smash-heroin-supply-ring/story-e6freuy9-1226596053825

 

[Jabberwocky]

Drug lesson is etched in acid - Stephanie Jager will live clean after overdosing on LSD

THE father of a teenager who almost died after taking LSD said his daughter had learnt a valuable lesson about its dangers.

Police said Stephanie Jager was celebrating her 15th birthday on Saturday night when she became violently ill and began hallucinating after taking what is believed to be a tab of the drug, known as "acid".

The Coffs Harbour teen was rushed to hospital and spent the next 24 hours in a critical condition.

She was one of six teenagers admitted to hospital a the weekend after suffering reactions to the drug, prompting police to warn the public about a "bad batch" of acid.

The teen was yesterday recovering at home from the potentially fatal incident after two nights in hospital. She was released on Monday afternoon.

Stephanie's father, David Jager, said the ordeal had been a valuable learning experience: "She's learnt from it and now we just want to put it behind us. It's been very unpleasant and we just want to move on."

On Facebook, friends discussed Stephanie's terrifying experience.

"I hope you're all right and you know what the consequences of that dumb shit is now," one friend wrote.

Another wrote: "They gave her a dud - it wasn't entirely her fault."

Paramedics said they were called to the Boambee East house on the night of the party just after 9pm to find a "teenage girl suffering from a drug overdose".

Just two hours later, paramedics were called to a house in nearby Toormina where a 15-year-old boy was suffering hallucinations and violent outbursts after consuming an acid tab.

A second person was charged yesterday in relation to LSD on the north coast.

The first man, an 18-year-old, was interviewed and charged on Monday with supplying a pro- hibited drug.

Police allege the 18-year-old supplied five tabs to the second teenager, 17, who was charged with a number of counts of supplying a prohibited drug.

The 17-year-old will appear in Coffs Harbour Children's Court on April 29.

Detective Inspector Cameron Lindsay urged anyone thinking of consuming illicit drugs to be extremely cautious, warning of the risk of brain damage or death.

"Taking any drug carries an unacceptable risk, but we would ask extra precautions be taken following these incidents," Insp Lindsay said.

Drug experts have said acid has made a resurgence since its heyday in the 1960s and is now popular among teens because it is cheap and has long-lasting effects.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...verdosing-on-lsd/story-e6freuy9-1226595952503

 

[Jabberwocky]

Daniela Ongaro and Yoni Bashan
The Daily Telegraph
March 13, 2013 12:00AM

Bikie gangs ready to start the killing

SOMEONE was about to be killed.That was the information picked up by the NSW Crime Commission, which had uncovered one of the largest and most highly organised drug supply and firearm syndicates run by outlaw bikies.

Their targets were the presidents and most senior members of the Hells Angels and Comanchero gangs - two of the state's most notorious outfits.

Their supply lines were under the microscope - police had allegedly found they had been sourcing large-scale supplies of drugs from Asian crime gangs overseas and military-grade firearms, explosives and other items from the Balkan "mafia" in Wollongong.

Had they waited another week, intelligence showed their targets were in the midst of allegedly carrying out another lucrative drug transaction. But the risk had become too high.

Days ago it became apparent a key "asset" in the field was in trouble - the person's life was in serious danger over a bungled drug importation just three weeks earlier.
Recommended Coverage
Bringing down the clubs
IN the end, it was the bikies who brought themselves down. Where there was once undying loyalty to their club, the "patching over" in recent years of gang members to rival organisations gave the NSW Crime Commission and police the opportunity they had been looking for.
Police dawn raids

The result was one of the biggest co-ordinated raids seen in NSW in more than two years, involving more than 350 police searching properties from Wollongong to Port Stephens and ending with 19 people under arrest.

In one fell swoop police took down some of the most senior members of the enterprise, which allegedly included the leaders of the Comanchero and Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gangs, as well as other figures who have been outside the law.

Among the high-profile names was Felix Lyle, the president of the Hells Angels City Chapter, who was arrested in Sydney's CBD while his clubhouse on George St was raided. Court documents allege he offered to sell a Glock pistol to an informant between November 17 and December 6, 2011, in Sydney, along with amphetamines and cocaine on other separate dates. He was refused bail to appear in court on March 22.

The home of the Comanchero president-elect Giacomo "Jack" Di Pizio was searched for four hours, with detectives seizing a computer, a mobile phone and other items. Mr Di Pizio was neither arrested nor charged. However, his brother Gianni - who is not a member of the gang - was arrested at his Merrylands home and charged with drug supply. The Comanchero vice-president, Kemel "Blackie" Barakat, was another senior figure arrested - his Harley-Davidson was confiscated and he was charged with a drug offence and "knowingly directing activities of a criminal group".

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...tart-the-killing/story-e6freuy9-1226595963161

 

[Jabberwocky]

AAP March 13, 2013 1:06PM

Five more due in court after bikie raids

FIVE men charged after massive drug and gun raids targeting high-ranking bikies will appear in NSW courts on Wednesday.

Some 350 officers launched dawn raids across Sydney, the Port Stephens area and the Illawarra on Tuesday, arresting 19 people.

It was the culmination of a two-year investigation into organised crime groups' supply lines.

Strike Force Alistair was jointly run by the NSW Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission, and targeted senior members of the Hells Angels, Comancheros and Rebels, as well as Asian and Balkan crime gangs.

Police said they searched NSW homes and laid charges through Tuesday night after arresting 19 people during the day.

Guns, drugs, cash and luxury items including a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and 30 cases of Grange wine were seized from 30 properties around the state.

An estimated $5 million worth of assets were now subject to Crime Commission inquiries, police said on Wednesday.

Officers allegedly also uncovered an offer by Hells Angels boss Felix Lyle to supply 50 Glock pistols.

The bikie boss was charged on Tuesday with one count of selling a firearm to a person who was unauthorised to possess it, as well as five counts of supplying drugs - two of which relate to a commercial quantity.

Another nine people charged also appeared in court on Tuesday.

Those due to appear in court on Wednesday include a 39-year-old man arrested at Abbotsbury, who has been charged with possessing an unauthorised firearm and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.

He is due to appear at Fairfield Local Court.

A 38-year-old man arrested at Sadleir was charged with knowingly taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He is due to appear at Campbelltown Local Court.

A 68-year-old man arrested at Dungog was charged with selling a prohibited firearm and selling ammunition. He is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court.

A 52-year-old Callala Bay man arrested at Kings Cross was charged with supplying explosives and possessing explosives in a public place. He is due to appear at Central Local Court.

A 56-year-old man arrested at Cabramatta West and charged with supplying a prohibited drug is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court.

Police believe they have the evidence to show that an offer was made to sell the Glock pistols, even though they didn't recover the firearms.

"We're alleging there was an offer made to sell 50 Glock pistols, and that individual has been charged," Acting Assistant Commissioner Arthur Katsogiannis told reporters on Wednesday.

He wouldn't elaborate on whether the alleged sale was linked to the illegal import of 220 Glock pistols from Germany last year.

"Very, very few of those weapons have been recovered," he said.

The three men charged over the alleged importation remain before the courts.

Assistant commissioner Katsogiannis said Tuesday's raids have sparked continuing investigations.

"(Strike Force) Alistair has not completed yet," he said.

"It's still ongoing, and those inquiries are being made as we speak."

Police later said an alleged high-ranking member of the Comancheros had been charged with consorting with criminals.

They said officers had searched a house in Greystanes and charged a 34-year-old man who lived there with habitually consorting after a warning.

The offence was created under changes to the Crimes Act passed by parliament last April.

The man is due to appear in Parramatta Local Court on May 2.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...-bikie-crackdown/story-e6freuz0-1226596059675

 

[poledriver]

Media Release: Two men arrested over narcotics in handbags

This is a joint media release with the Australian Federal Police and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

Two men appeared in Sydney Central Local Court today (14 March 2013), charged with allegedly importing approximately four kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia.

On 10 March 2013, Customs and Border Protection officers at the Sydney Gateway International Mail Facility examined two consignments which had arrived into Australia from Hong Kong.

The consignments each consisted of 11 boxes containing approximately 40 small handbags.

Customs and Border Protection officers identified a concealment of a crystalline substance inside each handbag. The substance presumptively tested positive for methamphetamine.

Customs and Border Protection referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for further investigation.

The AFP conducted a controlled delivery yesterday in the Sydney suburb of Ultimo.

The AFP subsequently charged two 30-year-old Taiwanese nationals with:

Attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to Section 307.6(1), by virtue of Section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
Customs and Border Protection National Manager Cargo Operations Jagtej Singh used the arrests to highlight the effectiveness of trained officers working closely with technology.

“Highly trained staff working with a range of detection techniques enhance our capability to disrupt criminality at the border, despite ever increasing international mail volumes,” Mr Singh said.

Acting Manager Crime Operations Darren Booy said the AFP will continue to work with Customs and Border Protection to stop drugs from entering Australia.

“Despite efforts by criminals to evade detection, authorities are continuing to identify and disrupt criminal networks who attempt to import drugs into Australia,” Commander Booy said.

The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment and/or an $825,000 fine.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/... men arrested over narcotics in handbags.aspx

 

[poledriver]

Man charged with drug offences - Police Transport Command Campbelltown

A man will appear in court today after being charged with drug and other offences by officers from the Police Transport Command (PTC).

About 3.30pm yesterday (Friday 15 March 2013), officers from PTC Campbelltown were patrolling on foot near Campbelltown Police Station.

Acting on information received from two young males, police approached and spoke with a 37-year-old man in Hurley Street.

During a search of the man, officers seized a variety of tablets in plastic bags, jewellery, a firework and a mobile phone, along with a passport and concession card in different names.

Police arrested the man and took him to Campbelltown Police Station, where he was charged with supply prohibited drug (Ecstasy); possess prohibited drug (Ecstasy); two counts of possess prescribed restricted substance (Seroquel andValium); handle explosive without licence (fireworks); and goods in custody.

The man was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 16 March 2013).

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI5MTUyLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[poledriver]

Two charged after 6000 cannabis plants seized at vineyard at Cheshunt in Victoria's northeast

A DRUG bust on a vineyard in Victoria’s north-east has led to the seizure of more than 6000 cannabis plants.
Police swooped on the Upper King River Rd property in Cheshunt, south of Wangaratta, and arrested two people at the scene after a search warrant uncovered the large scale crop.
Members from the Wangaratta Divisional Tasking Unit – flanked by members from Wodonga, Wangaratta and Whitfield divisions – executed a search warrant and combed the premises before the drug raid about 9.45am today.
Leading Senior Constable Julie-Anne Newman said two men from New South Wales were arrested at the scene.
“James Stammers, aged 65, from Liverpool, and Alam Noor, aged 38, from Griffith, have both been charged with the cultivation of a large commercial quantity of cannabis,” she said.
“The NSW men appeared before a bail justice overnight and have been remanded in custody to appear at Benalla Magistrates Court today."
A crime scene guard will remain in place at the property overnight.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national-new...ay/story-fndo4cq1-1226600156937#ixzz2NwyRyVxk

 

[poledriver]

Customs seizes 32kg of drug precursor chemicals

Customs and Border Protection officers have seized more than 32 kilograms of precursor drugs in shipments from China and Hong Kong over the past week.

The seizures have been made in 12 separate shipments in Victoria and New South Wales.

The substances found include more than 24 kilograms of ContacNT, which is a cold and flu medication used to manufacture methamphetamine.

The shipments also contained six kilograms of ephedrine and 1.75 kilograms of pseudoephedrine.

Jagtej Singh, of Customs and Border Protection, says criminals are always trying to find new ways to hid the drugs.

"This week we found prohibited substances concealed in metal cylinders, a safe, chopsticks, security cameras, retractable blinds, metal rods, water heaters and between sheets of cardboard," he said.

Anyone convicted of importing ephedrine-type substances without a permit risks a fine of $510,000 or 15 years in jail.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-27/customs-seizes-32kg-of-drug-precursor-chemicals/4596670