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

[poledriver]

Major meth haul uncovered by arson patrol

A police patrol on the lookout for arsonists has stumbled across more than seven kilograms of methamphetamines buried along the side of a dirt track in the Adelaide Hills.

Officers spotted two men they say were acting suspiciously near a car on Mount Gawler Road at Inglewood on Tuesday about midday.

Police say the men fled into nearby bushland after one of the officers tried to speak to them.

Police allege the men were picking up the drugs which were buried in seven large containers along the track.

A helicopter and the police dog squad were brought in to help find them.

Bradley Grant Sanderson, 21, and Steven Joseph Jacques, 27, were charged with drug trafficking and will face the Holden Hill Magistrates Court.

Police say the drugs were locally produced and equate to tens of thousands of street deals.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray says the street value of drugs would have been at least $7 million.

"The reality is that it's very high purity methamphetamine," he said.

"If it were to be cut and sold the value would be anything up to $21 million.

"That is a very, very significant seizure... and it's obviously a seizure at the level that's going to have a significant impact on the drug market in South Australia."

Police searched several houses but no other drugs were found.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-27/meth-haul-found-by-roadside/4597826

 

[poledriver]

Police raids net massive drug haul

Police say the discovery of nearly 15 kilograms of illicit drugs at a Malaga factory yesterday will have a significant impact on organised crime in Western Australia.

Officers from the Gang Crime Squad searched the factory yesterday, finding heroin, cocaine, amphetamine and ecstasy with an estimated street value in excess of $10 million.

A 29-year-old Kingsley man, who police say is an associate of the Commancheros bikie gang, was arrested and questioned by police.

Officers allege they then found more than $200,000 in cash when they searched the man's home.

The 29-year-old has been charged with four counts of possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply and possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jeff Christmas says further arrests are expected, and the impact of the seizure will be far reaching.

"Yesterday's seizure is a significant blow to the organised crime industry in this state," he said.

"It's also a major disruption to the Commanchero outlaw motorcycle gang. I'm proud of the efforts of the gang crime squad."

It has a significant week for WA Police after they discovered 140 kilograms of synthetic cannabis in two raids on Perth properties.

The synthetic drug, street named 'bombay blue' was packaged in professionally manufactured sachets and had a street value of $2 million.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-23/malaga-raids-secure-massive-drug-haul/4590356

 

[poledriver]

320 Kilograms of Kava Seized

Police from the Remote Communities Drug Desk have seized 320 kilograms of kava in three separate busts following a month long operation targeting the supply of the drug into East Arnhem Land Communities.

Acting Commander Tony Fuller from the Crime and Specialist Support Command said the kava was secreted into drums and a compressor in a bid to conceal detection.

“160 kilograms were discovered inside the compressor and 130 kilograms were found in two 44 gallon drums both destined for the same Community. Northern Territory Police, Customs and the Australian Federal Police continue to work together targeting this Territory issue.”

A 43 year-old woman was arrested following a third bust on Friday March 22 when she was allegedly found in possession of 30 kilograms of kava in her baggage.

“This woman has made several trips to the Northern Territory in the past and investigations are continuing into this case.”

“Police estimate the value of the seized kava to be $320,000 if sold in the remote communities.”

Acting Commander Fuller said it is always disappointing to find people profiteering by the distribution and sale of illicit substances in remote communities and said public assistance was very helpful to Police in combating this behaviour.

http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Media-Cen...13/March/25/320-Kilograms-of-Kava-Seized.aspx

 

[poledriver]

Backpackers nabbed dealing drugs in Sydney CBD

Two backpackers will face court today after allegedly being caught selling drugs in central Sydney.

Police say a drug detection dog alerted them to a 25-year-old British man in Haymarket around lunchtime yesterday.

They allegedly found him carrying cannabis and ecstasy, and subsequently found more of the drugs at the nearby backpackers' hostel where the man was staying.

Police say they then caught a 31-year-old Irish man in the same area a few hours later with 29 small bags of cannabis, ready for sale.

Both men have been charged with drug supply and possession offences.

They are being held in custody to face Central Local Court.

Police say they have also informed the Department of Immigration and Citizenship of the situation, because both men have overstayed their visas.

Meanwhile a man was also charged with drug supply after a traffic stop in Sydney's west at Smithfield yesterday afternoon.

Police say they found 57 small bags of cannabis and an amount of cash in the car.

A search of the 22-year-old man's nearby home then allegedly uncovered four kilograms of the drug, along with four hydroponically grown cannabis plants, a small amount of ecstasy and a key ring gun with ammunition.

The man was charged with offences including drug supply and possession and possessing an illegal gun.

He has been refused bail to appear in Fairfield Local Court today.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-28/backpackers-nabbed-dealing-drugs-in-sydney-cbd/4598686

 

[poledriver]

200 found with drugs at festival - Byron Bay

Police have taken action against 200 people for drug offences after a five day blues festival on the north coast.

About 80,000 people attended the festival at the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm on the Pacific Highway near Byron Bay, with about 60,000 campers on site.

Police from Tweed/Byron Local Area Command, Richmond Local Area Command, Operational Support Group, Police Transport Command, and Alcohol Licensing and Enforcement Command (ALEC), were in attendance at the festival.

During the course of the operation, police issued 161 cannabis cautions and issued 39 Field Court Attendance Notices for other drug related offences.

Police seized cannabis, methylamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, and LSD.

Inspector Gary Cowan, from Tweed/Byron Local Area Command, said police were overall pleased by the behaviour of those in attendance.

“The fact we found so many festival-goers in possession of drugs is disappointing, though overall we were pleased with the lack of anti-social behaviour,” Inspector Cowan said.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI5NDg0Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[poledriver]

Man charged with ecstasy supply - Sydney CBD

Police have charged a man with drug supply after seizing more than 450 ecstasy tablets in central Sydney.

Acting on information received, police attached to Surry Hills Local Area Command stopped a vehicle at the intersection of Elizabeth and King Streets, in Sydney’s CBD, about 9.20pm yesterday (Thursday 4 April 2013).

As officers attempted to search the 22-year-old male occupant, he allegedly dropped three plastic packages containing 456 green and brown tablets on the footpath.

The man was taken into custody and subsequently charged at The Rocks Police Station with possession and supply of a prohibited drug (ecstasy).

He was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Friday 5 April 2013).

Inquiries by police are ongoing.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI5NTM2Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[poledriver]

Police dogs nab pub patrons

A WEEKEND police operation targeting drugs and alcohol in licensed premises has resulted in four arrests and five people being issued with cannabis cautions.

The two-day operation conducted on Friday and Saturday night's targeted licensed premises in Lismore and Ballina with assistance from the police dog unit.

During the operation police conducted inspections of 15 licensed premises with the police dog unit.

Officers searched 16 people locating quantities of both cannabis and amphetamines.

A man was detected inside a Molesworth St hotel by the police dog allegedly in possession of amphetamines.

A 25-year-old man with five outstanding arrest warrants was arrested at a hotel on River St at Ballina.

A Ballina man and a Lismore man were arrested in a hotel on Keen St in Lismore allegedly in possession of illegal drugs including amphetamines and cannabis.

In addition to those arrests five people, who were allegedly detected with small amounts of cannabis in licensed premises at both Ballina and Lismore were issued with cannabis cautions.

Richmond Local Area Command Crime Manager Detective Inspector Greg Moore the police were pleased with the results of the weekend operation.

He said officers from the Richmond LAC will to continue to conduct overt operations to reduce drugs and violence offences in and around licensed premises in the command.

Factbox:
Your rights:

If a drug detection dog detects a person with drugs police have the right to search them under the Law Enforcement Powers and Procedures act of 2002
If a person refuses to be searched, like with a breath test, it is considered a criminal offence and they can be charged.

http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/police-target-drugs-and-alcohol/1576004/

 

[poledriver]

Media Release: Joint investigation results in seizure of 365 litres of liquid containing Methamphetamine

A joint law enforcement operation has resulted in the arrest of two people and seizure of 365 litres of liquid containing methamphetamine stored in bottles of carpet stain cleaner.

The investigation, involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Crime Commission (ACC), Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and Victoria Police, began on 6 April 2013.

Throughout the operation several key international law enforcement partners also provided assistance.

In March, Customs and Border Protection officers targeted a shipping container for examination. In April, the ACC provided further intelligence which indicated the container was high risk.

Customs and Border Protection officers, acting on breakthrough criminal intelligence provided by the ACC, examined the container which had arrived at the port of Melbourne from Hong Kong, containing 46 pallets.

The pallets were storing approximately 3,332 bottles of carpet stain cleaner. Initial examination and testing indicated the presence of methamphetamine in a number of the bottles.

Further examination revealed 96 of the bottles contained methamphetamine suspended in liquid, adding up to a total of approximately 365 litres.

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance.

On 8 April 2013, the AFP partnered with Victoria Police, Customs and Border Protection and the ACC, conducted a controlled delivery where two people were arrested for importing and attempting to possess the methamphetamine.

Search warrants were subsequently executed across Melbourne yesterday, which included residential properties in Kew, Box Hill, Clayton South, Footscray and Noble Park. Further search warrants were executed this morning in Narre Warren.

It is estimated that the 365 litres of liquid methamphetamine would equate to 280kg of pure methamphetamine, with a total street value of up to $205 million.

ACC National Manager Intervention Warren Gray said that the outcome demonstrates the vital role that intelligence plays in disrupting the illicit drug trade and keeping these harmful substances off our streets.

“The fast response by Customs and Border Protection and the AFP is highly commendable and this outcome and is a great result for the Australian community,” Mr Gray said.

AFP Manager Melbourne Office Scott Lee said that the multi-agency operation is testament to the hard work of all the agencies involved.

“This operation is a perfect example of how we are working with our law enforcement partners such as the ACC, Customs and Border Protection and Victoria Police to gather and share intelligence and target organised crime,” Commander Lee said.

Customs and Border Protection Director Enforcement Operations Victoria Andrew Redman said that this seizure demonstrates the success of an intelligence-led approach to targeting criminals at our border.

“Customs and Border Protection is alert to the increasingly sophisticated ways that criminals conceal these dangerous drugs in their attempts to evade detection,” Mr Redman said.

“We have the intelligence and the technology to target even the most sophisticated concealments.”

Victoria Police Detective Superintendent Crime Command Gerard Ryan said the results of this operation demonstrated the benefits of law enforcement working together in the state, national and international arena.

“This operation is a prime example of a united law enforcement approach to tackling organised crime drug importations into Australia,” Detective Superintendent Ryan said.

The AFP arrested a 45-year-old Hong Kong national and a 31-year-old Canadian national in relation to the seizure.

The alleged offenders faced Melbourne Magistrates Court today, 10 April 2013.

They have been charged with a range of offences including:

Import commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, namely amphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);and
Attempted possession of a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely amphetamine, pursuant to section 307.5 by virtue of subsection 11.1 of the Criminal Code 1995.(Cth)
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment and/or a $1,275,000 fine.

The investigation is continuing both in Australia and overseas and further arrests have not been ruled out.

As this investigation remains ongoing, it is not appropriate for the AFP to comment further at this stage.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...res-of-liquid-containing-Methamphetamine.aspx

 

[poledriver]

Police arrest another man over massive drug haul

Police seized a significant quantity of drugs after executing a search warrant at a unit on Malaga. (file)

Police from the Gang Crime Squad in Perth have charged another man over the seizure of 15 kilograms of drugs valued at up to $8 million.

Police raided the home of 38-year-old Marc Quaid in Northbridge on Monday and charged him with possession of heroin and methylamphetamine with intent to sell or supply.

Police say they also seized more than $200,000.

His arrest comes after police raided a factory unit in Malaga two weeks ago and seized about 15 kilograms of cocaine and methylamphetamine.

They had earlier charged a 29-year-old man over the haul and say they found more than $230,000 during a raid on his home.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-10/police-arrest-another-man-over-massive-drug-haul/4620282

 

[poledriver]

Bail refused for drug lab accused

Four mid north coast locals are behind bars after police uncovered a crude drug lab earlier this week.

18 year old Jack McDonald, 25 year old Jasmine Bowden, 34 year old Nicole Clarke and 42 year old Zachary King were arrested at a south Kempsey home on Wednesday.

Police say what smelled like burning chemicals was coming from an open window and drug making equipment was set up on a table at the Nicholson Street address.

They believe all four were making methyl-amphetamine or "speed".

The group has been refused bail in the Macksville Local Court charged with knowingly manufacturing a prohibited drug.

Bowden is also charged for breaching bail on an unrelated matter.

The cases are due in Kempsey Local Court in April and June.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-12/bail-refused-for-drug-lab-accused/4625600

 

[poledriver]

Big drug haul for Mid North Coast police

Three men have been charged with drug supply, possession and cultivation after separate arrests.

Police say they found 57 kilograms of cannabis worth more than $300,000 when they searched the car of 53 year old Lake Cathie man Mark De Bono at Lorne on Tuesday.

The next day they found almost 80 kilograms of cannabis and four guns when they searched the Lake Cathie home of 42 year old Danny Allen.

The men have been refused bail to re-appear in the Port Macquarie Local Court in June.

A 67 year old man is on conditional bail after 11 kilograms of cannabis and eight plants were found at a Kempsey home.

He is due to face the Kempsey Local Court on May 13.

Police on the mid north coast also say they have seen more heroin on the streets in the Kempsey area in the past few months.

The increase in heroin use is thought to be a factor behind a recent jump in the number of home invasions and robberies in the region.

Local Area Commander Paul Fehon said people who are hungry for drugs often have few qualms about robbing other people, even the elderly.

"We've found heroin was coming back into the community," he said.

"We were particularly concerned by that.

"In fact our concerns were that great that we've formed out own Strikeforce to look at mid and upper level drug supply.

"It together with the detectives have been responsible for some quite significant arrests.

"Over a million dollars in drugs in the last 48 hours that we've seized."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-12/big-drug-haul-for-mid-north-coast-police/4625624

 

[poledriver]

Drugs, cash and weapons seized following search warrants - Operation Apollo

Specialist police attached to Operation Apollo have executed eight search warrants throughout Sydney, seizing drugs, cash and weapons.

The search warrants, which were conducted yesterday morning (Thursday 11 April 2013), led to three arrests, with more expected in the coming days.

One search warrant, executed at a property on Millett Street in Hurstville, resulted in police seizing approximately 50 MDMA tablets, 16 grams of cocaine, anabolic steroids, handcuffs, a stun-gun, and a large amount of cash.

Three men, an 18-year-old, a 24-year-old and a 26-year-old, all of whom reside at the property, were arrested and charged with a variety of offences. All three have been given conditional bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on Thursday 2 May 2013.

At another search warrant, executed at a home on Ann Street in Merrylands, police located and seized a replica semi-automatic pistol, steroids and property suspected of being stolen, including jewellery, a laptop computer and two NSW drivers’ licences.

At a property on Livingstone Road in Marrickville, police found more than 150 grams of MDMA, 80 vials of steroids and 2000 tablets, which will be tested to determine their chemical properties.

At a property in nearby Ivanhoe Street, Marrickville, police seized steroids and a large amount of cash.

Police also located cocaine, steroids and a large amount of cash at a property on Kings Park Circuit in Five Dock, as well as seizing steroids, mobile phones and other items of interest from a unit in Alexandria.

A large amount of cash was also seized from a home on Challis Street in Dulwich Hill.

More arrests are expected and police urge anyone with information that may assist with their investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Operation Apollo was established in February 2013 to target gun and organised crime. It is being led by State Crime Command’s Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad with assistance from other specialist squads, metropolitan regions and local area commands.

Since then, 167 people have been arrested and 320 charges have been laid. More than 60 firearms have also been seized.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI5NjYzLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[Jabberwocky]

Cannabis raid: police seize $6.75m of dope

Cannabis worth about $7 million and a loaded gun have been seized during raids on a property in central western NSW, police say.
Drug squad detectives found 377 cannabis plants up to two metres tall growing on the property and 200kg of cannabis drying in a shed when they raided the Pollabooka home, south of Forbes, on Monday morning.
The also discovered a loaded rifle.
Police said the drugs have a street value of $6.75 million.
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Three men, aged 20, 40 and 49, were arrested at the property and charged with commercial cultivation and supply of cannabis.
The 49-year-old also faces firearms charges.
They will face Forbes Local Court later on Tuesday.
AAP

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/cannabis-raid-police-seize-675m-of-dope-20130416-2hx4m.html#ixzz2QbRHVORE

 

[Jabberwocky]

84 arrested at western Sydney rave

Police have made 84 mainly drug-related arrests at a rave in western Sydney.
Dance music festival IQON ran most of Saturday at the Sydney International Dragway at Eastern Creek.
Officers attached to Operation Charthouse arrested 84 party goers for offences including goods in custody, assault police and breach of bail.
But police had sniffer dogs to thank for most of the arrests.
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They laid 78 charges for possessing prohibited drugs, four charges for supply and one cannabis caution.
Police on Sunday said inquiries into the drug matters were continuing.
Blacktown Local Area Commander Superintendent Mark Wright said in spite of the numbers arrested and charged, the overall crowd was well behaved.


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/84-arrested-at-western-sydney-rave-20130421-2i85e.html#ixzz2R6SECcnp

 

[poledriver]

Ice haul in swanky suburb sees three women nabbed

A 43-year-old woman has been arrested after police seized more than $150,000 worth of crystal meth that had been sent through the post.

She and two other women - aged 20 and 19 - were arrested at homes at the well-to-do suburb of Parap, in Darwin.

Police allege the 43-year-old woman is the main player in a drug supply ring that includes other members of an extended family.

They say the drug was sent in two separate packages that were allegedly sent by post to a family member.

Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Schiller, of the Drug and Organised Crime Squad, said the arrests were the result of an extended investigation.

"Crystal methamphetamine is a particularly noxious drug that causes tremendous carnage to those families affected by it," he said.

"It produces erratic and violent behaviour in users. In some cases this damage appears to be an acceptable casualty to those making money from the drug."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-22/crystal-methamphetamine-haul-sees-three-women-arrested/4643654

 

[poledriver]

Media Release: Trident taskforce tackles trafficking on the waterfront

This is a joint media release between the AFP, Victoria Police, Customs and Border Protection, AUSTRAC, ATO and ACC

The Trident Taskforce has arrested six people and seized cocaine, steroids, human growth hormones, cash and a vehicle as part of Operation Coulter.

Operation Coulter commenced in October 2012 after the taskforce received information alleging a number of employees were exploiting their positions on the waterfront.

Taskforce Trident investigators have arrested six people, including:

A 42-year-old man from Camberwell was arrested and interviewed on 5 February in relation to possess a trafficable quantity of cocaine and released pending summons.
A 28-year-old man from Kingsville was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine on 10 March and bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 17 June, 2013.
A 25-year-old woman from Kingsville was charged with possess cocaine on 10 March and bailed to Melbourne Magistrates Court on 17 June, 2013.
A 25-year-old man from Port Melbourne was interviewed on 10 March in relation to possess cocaine and released pending summons.
A 45-year-old man from Armadale was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine on 13 April, he was remanded to Melbourne Magistrates Court on 15 April where he was further remanded to 23 July, 2013.
A 32-year-old woman from Armadale was interviewed on 13 April in relation to possess cocaine and released pending summons.
Investigators have also executed eight search warrants on premises in Kingsville, Port Melbourne, Armadale and Windsor.

Seizures as a result of Operation Coulter include a commercial quantity of cocaine (500 + grams), a quantity of steroids and human growth hormones, a 3M series BMW and in excess of $5000 cash.

Trident is a multi-agency taskforce set up in July 2012 to address organised and serious crime activities in relation to the maritime environment across Victoria.

The taskforce consists of members from six partner agencies, Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Crime Commission.

Since its inception, the task force has been working on reducing organised crimes like theft, money laundering and the illicit importation of large amounts of tobacco, drugs, stolen goods and firearms.

Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton said Operation Coulter is a perfect example of the importance of agencies and industries working together to prevent, detect, deter and defeat organised crime.

“A key part of this taskforce is building relationships with industry stakeholders,” Mr Ashton said.

“Victoria Police is aware that organised criminal activity drives crime within our community.

“The joint agency approach from both state and commonwealth partner agencies ensure effective and coordinated targeting of organised criminals in Victoria.

”The results of Operation Coulter should send a strong message to anyone involved in the illicit drug trade or other illegal enterprises that Victoria is not an easy target.”

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...ce-tackles-trafficking-on-the-waterfront.aspx

 

[poledriver]

Media Release: Man charged with importing liquid cocaine

A 30-year-old UK national will appear before Sydney Central Local Court today (Monday 15 April) charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for allegedly importing cocaine into Australia.

Yesterday, 14 April 2013, Customs and Border Protection officers selected the man for examination when he arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from New Caledonia.

During examination of the man’s suitcase, Customs and Border Protection officers located three, one litre glass bottles labelled as olive oil.

Presumptive testing of the three glass bottles showed positive results for cocaine in liquid form.

The matter was referred to the AFP and the man was charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code Act (Cth) 1995.

Forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...an-charged-with-importing-liquid-cocaine.aspx

 

[poledriver]

Three more charged over Customs smuggling ring

Three Gold Coast men have been charged over their alleged role in a Customs drug-smuggling ring.

The men, aged between 19 and 21, were arrested by the Federal Police in Queensland and New South Wales yesterday.

Two of the men were from Surfers Paradise while one was from Arundel.

Police allege they conspired with corrupt Customs officers and baggage handlers to smuggle pseudoephedrine from Vietnam through Sydney Airport last year.

The men are being kept in custody to face court this week and in June.

Their arrests are a part of a two-year, multi-agency investigation.

So far 20 alleged members of the drug ring have been charged including four Customs officers and a quarantine officer.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-23/three-more-charged-over-customs-smuggling-ring/4646770

 

[poledriver]

Customs seize 4.5kg of ephedrine hidden in prams flown in from China

CUSTOMS authorities have seized 4.5kg of the precursor drug ephedrine that was hidden in a delivery of prams.

Customs officers noted anomalies in the cushions of the prams when they were x-rayed after arriving in Sydney by air cargo from China last Monday.

After making incisions in the cushions, a crystal substance was found which returned a positive test for ephedrine, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) said in a statement.

Ephedrine is used to manufacture amphetamine-type substances such as ice.

ACBPS National Manager Cargo Operations, Jagtej Singh, said the seizure was an important step in helping to decrease the domestic manufacture of prohibited drugs such as ice.

ACBPS said investigations into the pram case were ongoing and no one had been charged.

"Customs and Border Protection officers are trained to target such prohibited chemicals and will continue to do so, no matter how creative the attempt to smuggle the goods in," he said in the statement.

Importing ephedrine without a permit is prohibited and people caught importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled precursor, such as ephedrine, could face a fine of up to $510,000 and/or 15 years in prison.

http://www.news.com.au/national-new...wn-in-from-china/story-fndo4bst-1226630540782

 

[poledriver]

Media release: Arrest made over 6.8kgs of Ice hidden in boxes

This is a joint media release between the AFP and Customs and Border Protection

A 24-year-old Canadian national was charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) yesterday for allegedly importing approximately 6.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘Ice’, into Australia.

On Thursday (25 April 2013) Customs and Border Protection officers selected the woman’s luggage for examination. An x-ray indicated anomalies in the structure of four large boxes inside her luggage.

It is alleged one of the boxes was examined and found to contain 2.4 kilograms of methamphetamine wrapped in plastic. The remainder of the boxes approximately contained a further 4.4 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Customs and Border Protection referred the matter to the AFP and the woman was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine.

The woman is expected to face Sydney Central Local court today.

The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...-made-over-6-8kgs-of-ice-hidden-in-boxes.aspx