The Australian/NZ Drug Busts Mega-Thread Part Deux

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Man charged over numerous drug offences – Armidale
Thursday, 03 Sep 2009 07:45am

A man will appear in court next month after officers charged him with numerous drug offences allegedly committed in Guyra and Armidale.

About 10am yesterday officers from the New England Target Action Group attached to Strike Force Main went to a home in Prisk Street at Guyra.

A 33-year-old man was arrested at the premises and taken to Armidale Police Station.

The man was later charged with possession of a prohibited drug (MDMA) x 17 and was granted conditional bail to appear at the Armidale Local Court on 12 October.

Detective Inspector Greig Stier from New England Local Area Command said that Strike Force Main continues to investigate drug crime and expects to make further arrests.

“This arrest is part of a sustained focus on drug related crime in the New England Local Area Command. The strike force continues with their investigation and I anticipate further arrests will eventuate.

“If anyone has information about the manufacture, supply or possession of illicit drugs I urge you to contact police immediately,” Detective Inspector Stier said.

Anyone with information should contact the Armidale Police Station on 67710699 or Crime Stoppers on 1 800 333 000.

Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and a reward of up to $1000 is payable for information which leads to an arrest.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjc3MTkuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

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OMCG member charged after drug raid - Bellbird
Thursday, 03 Sep 2009 01:02pm

An Outlaw Motorcycle Gang member has been charged after a drug raid in the Hunter Valley yesterday (2 September).

About 10:00am police from Central Hunter Target Action Group executed the search warrant on a home in Wollombi Road, Bellbird.

Inside the home police allegedly located a quantity of amphetamine as well as cannabis and a hydroponic cultivation system.

The 45-year-old resident was arrested at the house and taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug, cultivate prohibited plant, three counts of possess prohibited drug, possess prohibited plant and possess equipment to administer prohibited drug.

Police understand the man is a member of the ‘Gladiators’ Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on 7 October 2009.

This is the second raid Central Hunter Police have conducted in two weeks where an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang member has been charged with serious offences.

A search warrant executed on a home on Portland Street, Horseshoe Bend on Thursday 20 August saw a 42-year-old man - also a ‘Gladiators’ member - charged with possess ammunition, not keep firearm safe, possess shortened firearm, possess prohibited drug, cultivate prohibited plant and goods in custody.

That man will next appear at Maitland Local Court on 7 September.

Central Hunter Police Local Area Commander Superintendent John Gralton said today, “Central Hunter Police and the community will not tolerate organised criminal networks who are involved in the illicit drug trade.”
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http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjc3MjEuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[hoptis]

Ecstasy, Viagra seized during home search
Thursday, 03 September 2009 21:07

Investigators from the Drug Task Force arrested two men and seized ecstasy, Viagra and steroids during a search of a Nunawading house on Wednesday night.

Around three kilograms of a pink powder, believed to be used in the manufacture of ecstasy, 3000 ecstasy tablets, and quantities of steroids and Viagra were located when a search warrant was executed on the Cypress Avenue property around 10.30pm.

Two Nunawading men, a 21-year-old and 53-year-old, were arrested at the scene and taken to Glen Waverley Police Station for interview.

Both were questioned about possessing and trafficking commercial quantities of drugs of dependence.

The two men have been released pending summons.

Victoria Police

 

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Greenwood couple charged over 5000 ecstasy pill seizure



September 04, 2009 04:00pm

POLICE have charged a Greenwood couple with serious drug offences including possession of nearly 5000 ecstasy pills.

Detectives from the Organised Crime Squad arrested the couple after their vehicle was stopped about 6.30pm Thursday night.

Police will be alleged that just after 6.30pm police stopped the Toyota utility, driven by a 26-year-old man, on Coolibah Drive Greenwood.

During a search of the car, a bag was found that contained nearly 5000 pills, believed to be Ecstasy (MDMA). The total weight of the drug was approximately 1.3kg.

Police then searched the couple's Blackthorn Road home where a further 50 pills were found, along with nearly $10,000 and an unlicensed rifle.

The man has been charged with two counts of possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply, unlawful possession; possessing an unlicensed firearm and failing to secure a firearm.

His 20-year-old partner faces two charges of possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply, and both are due to appear in the Joondalup Magistrates Court next week.

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,27574,26026776-2761,00.html

 

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Ecstasy charges against Marc Lindsay Walker dropped



September 04, 2009 12:07pm

PROSECUTORS have dropped charges against a man suspected of trafficking a commercial quantity of ecstacy.

Marc Lindsay Walker, 21, of Wild Horse Plains was arrested in May this year over a haul they labelled "severe".

He had been charged with trafficking a commercial qauntity of a controlled drug.

The charges were dismissed in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court last month.

Walker had first appeared in court on May 11 and police alleged 56 tablets had been found in his clothing.

At the time lawyers for the man said he had been threatened to transport the drugs.

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26025535-2682,00.html

 

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Stimulus stash: man uses bonus for drugs
September 4, 2009

It was designed to keep the economy ticking and provide positive relief for working Australians in tough times, but the Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus package has landed a Sunshine Coast man in court after he used the money to buy drugs.

Jordan Blake Foster, 24, pleaded guilty yesterday in Maroochydore Magistrates Court to charges relating to the possession of dangerous drugs, utensils and producing dangerous drugs.

Police entered his Tewantin home on April 16 to find his “stimulus package” stash.

It included 250g of cannabis, 33 ecstasy tablets and some potted cannabis plants.

Prosecutor Phillip Stephens said Mr Foster told police he had bought the tablets with part of the $900 government bonus.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/que...h-man-uses-bonus-for-drugs-20090904-faag.html

 

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Sydney's $450,000 cannabis bust
September 2, 2009

Police say they have seized 225 cannabis plants worth $450,000 from a Sydney house dedicated to growing the plants using a high-tech hydroponic system.

Officers raided a two-storey, weatherboard home in Oakes Road, West Pennant Hills, just after 8.30am today, police said.

They allegedly discovered cannabis plants growing in several rooms, maintained using sophisticated watering and high-powered lighting systems.

"Police allege the house was dedicated to the enhanced, indoor cultivation of cannabis, with officers locating a number of hidden cavities," police said.

"The plants have an estimated, potential street value of $450,000."

It's the second alleged "hydro house" raided in the area in recent weeks, with officers locating another drug house in Parkland Road, Carlingford, on July 30.

Police say they seized 205 cannabis plants, with an estimated, potential street value of $420,000, in that raid.

Anyone with information about drugs in the area is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/sydneys-450000-cannabis-bust-20090902-f81x.html

 

[kingpin007]

Ecstasy arrest made at Room 99

Aleks Devic

September 5th, 2009

AN 18-YEAR-OLD was caught selling party drug ecstasy at embattled Geelong nightclub Room 99.

Geelong West man Blade Hall was at the Ryrie St nightspot on Thursday and sold the drugs for about an hour, Geelong Magistrates' Court was told yesterday.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Kerrie Moroney said police apprehended the defendant at 11pm and found him with 14 pills in his jeans pocket and $420 in cash after they were notified by security staff.

"Whilst at Room 99 the defendant was approached and had a conversation with an unknown male about selling ecstasy tablets to earn money," she said.

"He received numerous white tablets from a male with a printed smiley face on them in a clear plastic bag."

Mr Hall was released from custody yesterday on strict bail conditions including a ban on attending Room 99.

Sen-Constable Moroney said the pills were sold for between $20 and $25 and it was believed the money found on Mr Hall was from the sale of the drugs.

Defence lawyer Duncan Ferguson described Mr Hall as a "fitness fanatic" who only attended nightclubs to socialise with friends and dance.

"He is not a user of drugs at all and does not drink at all," Mr Ferguson said.

He said Mr Hall was having financial difficulties and was considering a psychiatric assessment for the defendant before his next court appearance, where he indicated his client would plead guilty.

Mr Hall is charged with drug possession, trafficking and possessing the proceeds of crime.

He will return to court on October 14.

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2009/09/05/100901_news.html

 

[modoq]

$300,000 kava bust

NADJA HAINKE

September 6th, 2009

A MAN was busted with almost $300,000 worth of kava stuck in several garbage bags on Friday.

It is understood the drugs were on their way to be distributed in remote communities across the NT.

The 28-year-old man was travelling in his car along the Stuart Highway at Pine Creek when police randomly stopped the vehicle.

Superintendent of the Northern Operational Service Division Helen Braam said officers found rubbish bags with 294kg of kava in the back seat and rear of the car.

She said it was another example of an organised drug trafficking network aimed at exploiting people in remote communities.

"Police will continue to target these people who deliberately prey on vulnerable people in communities," she said.

"This is fantastic work by Pine Creek police and the substance abuse intelligence desk, which is a partnership between the Northern Territory police and FACHSIA."

The drug was packed into 14,700 individual deal bags.

Police arrested the man, who was taken to Katherine watchhouse where he remained last night. He is expected to appear in Darwin Magistrates Court on charges of drug possession tomorrow.

The drug bust comes only a week after police raided several homes in the Top End.

Four men and a woman will face court on drugs charges after officers seized cannabis, home-made hash cookies, ecstasy and amphetamine in the houses.

Police said the drug busts in Bees Creek, Humpty Doo and Karama were not connected. A 59-year-old woman and four men, aged 19, 20, 23 and 25, were charged.

NT News

 

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Man pleads guilty to drug smuggling

Posted 47 minutes ago


A New South Wales man has pleaded guilty to trying to smuggle nearly three kilograms of methylamphetamine into Western Australia.

Police found the drug in Christopher Bond's car after they stopped him on the Eyre Highway, west of Eucla, in March.

In the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court today, Bond pleaded guilty to possession of methylamphetamine with intent to sell or supply.

He also pleaded guilty to two other charges relating to the possession of prohibited drugs.

Bond's bail conditions were renewed and he is due to be sentenced in November.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/07/2678996.htm

 

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Man charged after raid nets 10,000 pills, gun

September 8, 2009 - 9:41AM

A handgun and 10,000 pills have been discovered in a police raid on a Gold Coast property.

Police said detectives from the State Crime Operations Command Fraud and Corporate Crime Group found a fully loaded handgun, ammunition, about 10,000 pills believed to be ecstasy and fraudulent credit cards and identification in a search of a Hope Island on Monday.

A 26-year-old man has been charged with possessing dangerous drugs and unlawful possession of a weapon.

The man is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.

AAP

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/que...-raid-nets-10000-pills-gun-20090908-feto.html

 

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Call for lengthy jail term for WA's biggest ecstasy haul



Andrea Hayward, AAP

September 08, 2009 02:00pm

PROSECUTORS have called for a lengthy jail term for a man accused of masterminding a drug shipment that led to Western Australia's largest ecstasy haul.
Tony Mikulic, 48, has pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to possess large amounts of ecstasy and methamphetamine intercepted by police in the border town of Eucla.

He also pleaded guilty to six counts of possessing more than 16,000 ecstasy tablets, cocaine and methamphetamine seized in Perth.

His wife Vanessa Anne Mikulic, 46, has pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing drugs with the intent to sell or supply them.

The pair were charged in June 2007 after police found 12kg of methamphetamine and ecstasy welded inside a hollow steel tube in a Toyota Landcruiser utility near Eucla, on the Nullarbor.

Organised crime squad detectives had monitored Mikulic's phone calls as part of an operation dubbed Cadiz and discovered $1.8 million had been taken from the steel tube and replaced with drugs in NSW before the vehicle was to be driven into WA.

``The steel tube was cut open by police,'' police prosecutor Jan Whitbread told the WA District Court.

Inside the tube they found three packages containing 50,000 ecstasy tablets and a fourth package containing a large amount of methamphetamine.

Detectives estimated the methamphetamine could have been sold for between $37 million and $60 million, depending on the quantities in which it was sold.

Police later executed a search warrant at the Mikulics' home in Perth's northern suburbs.

They found more than a kilogram of ecstasy at the home, along with $30,000 cash and two fully loaded pistols.

Officers also found more than 11,000 ecstasy tablets and two grams of methamphetamine were found at a nearby golf course, where Vanessa Mikulic had dumped them in a brown handbag, Ms Whitbread said.

Ms Whitbread said a head sentence for Tony Mikulic should be in the vicinity of 15 to 20 years because he had shown little remorse or understanding of the damage the drugs did to the community.

His lawyer Seamus Rafferty said the court had only heard half of the story.

He said his client in an ill-conceived plan had decided to take possession of the drugs and blackmail a man who was living with his family in a bid to get him to move out.

``He was posing a risk to his family, a significant risk,'' Mr Rafferty said.

But Ms Whitbread said the explanation was ``quite fanciful'' and there was sufficient evidence Tony Mikulic was responsible for the drug deal.

A lawyer for Vanessa Mikulic said she had not intended to sell the drugs found in her house and called for her to be dealt with by means of fines.

Judge Henry Wisbey will sentence the pair on Friday.

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,27574,26044682-2761,00.html

 

[kingpin007]

170 cannabis plants seized in mid-west

Posted 4 hours 58 minutes ago


Police in Dongara, in mid-west Western Australia, have seized 170 cannabis plants from a local park.

Officers went to the Beekeepers Nature Reserve yesterday morning after an anonymous tip-off from a member of the public.

Acting Sergeant Brett Tomisini says officers found two fenced-off plots containing plants at various stages of maturity.

He says while inquiries are continuing to try and find the owner of the plants, police have been able to stop the potential distribution of the drug.

"They won't be cultivated and no-one will be gaining a benefit from them," Acting Sergeant Tomisini said.

"It will certainly reduce the flow of cannabis throughout the Mid West Gascoyne District."

Meanwhile, a 41-year-old woman has been charged with possessing ecstasy with intent to sell or supply, after she was stopped near Leeman on Sunday after.

Police say they found 10 tablets after a search of the woman's vehicle on the Brand Highway.

She has also been charged with possession of cannabis and is due before the Leeman Magistrates Court next month.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/08/2679834.htm

 

[kingpin007]

Three arrested, weapons and illicit drugs seized during raids — Auburn

Tuesday, 08 Sep 2009 11:05pm

Three people have been arrested and police have seized illicit drugs and weapons during raids on four premises in Auburn tonight.

About 6pm investigators raided four residences in Cumberland Road and Normanby Street. The warrants were executed by investigators from the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad and Flemington Local Area Command, with South West Region Operational Support Group officers.

Upon arrival at a home in Cumberland Road it will be alleged a Flemington Local Area Command officer was punched to the face.

The Senior Constable suffered a laceration to the nose and was taken by ambulance to Concord Hospital where he received four sutures and was released.

Police officers arrested a 25-year-old man and 17-year-old male youth at the location. A third person, a woman aged in her 20s, was also arrested during the execution of the search warrants and taken to Auburn Police Station for questioning.

Large groups of people subsequently started to gather in the area and additional police resources were brought in.

Officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS) attended, along with the PolAir helicopter and police from neighbouring local area commands.

Police moved on several groups of males in the area. No arrests were made.

Meanwhile, during the execution of the search warrants it will be alleged detectives located two stun guns, a quantity of tablets believed to be MDMA (ecstasy), cannabis, a large quantity of cash, as well as a handgun. The items were seized for forensic examination.

Investigations are continuing.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjc3OTcuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Man to face court over cannabis raids - south west Sydney
Wednesday, 09 Sep 2009 11:51am

A man will face court today charged over a $1.38 million cannabis bust in Sydney’s south-west.

On 20 May, 2009, police from the Wetherill Park and Bass Hill Region Enforcement Squads (RES) executed search warrants at properties in Shenton Street, Bankstown, and Cantrell Street, Yagoona.

Inside the Bankstown house they allegedly seized 137 cannabis plants and inside the Yagoona house they allegedly seized 139 cannabis plants.

All the plants were being grown hydroponically.

The raids were part of Strike Force Plante.

About 9.30am on Tuesday, 8 September, a 33-year-old Yagoona man was arrested and charged with cultivate a commercial quantity of a prohibited plant.

He was refused bail and will appear in Bankstown Local Court today (9 September).

The raids were part of ‘Operation Plante’, targeting the indoor cultivation of plants across south-western Sydney.

Police are again urging anyone who might have information about the possible cultivation or supply of cannabis to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjc4MDYuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Bikie arrested over drug lab, gun



September 09, 2009 12:31pm

POLICE arrested and charged a bikie club member after locating an alleged clandestine drug laboratory and a firearm at Mile End today.

Crime Gangs Task Force officers said they found chemicals and equipment used in manufacturing amphetamines and a loaded revolver in Gladstone Ave.

The arrested man has been bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in November.

Anyone with information about the sale or manufacture of illicit drugs should contact BankSA CrimeStoppers ph: 1800 333 000.

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26049483-2682,00.html

 

[kingpin007]

Drugs and guns seized in major police bust

3:33PM Wednesday Sep 09, 2009

Police today sounded an alarm about firearms in the drug trade after a number of guns were seized by Waikato police in a drug operation.

Several people face dozens of charges after an eight-month operation came to a climax yesterday.

"Disturbingly for police we again encountered people in possession of firearms and/or ammunition involved in illegal drug activity," said Detective Sergeant Steve Hudson of Te Kuiti CIB.

"Such activity puts not only the public at risk but police and offenders as well, as officers have to factor in the risk of firearms when planning how to deal with the problem."

A 47-year-old Putaruru man and his 42-year-old partner were arrested after police searched their property, off State Highway 1, yesterday.

"During the search officers discovered an indoor cannabis growing operation and recovered 105 cloned plants of varying maturity," Mr Hudson said.

A small amount of methamphetamine was also found.

"In addition, 27 firearms and a large supply of ammunition were seized," Mr Hudson said.

"The male owner of the property holds a firearms licence and his suitability in terms of retaining his licence will be a focus of follow up inquiries."

There were three pistols and several rifles and shotguns among the weapons seized.

The couple face multiple charges, including possession of cannabis for supply and cultivating cannabis. The woman was released on bail while the man was held in custody and is due to appear in Tokoroa District Court today.

Mr Hudson said yesterday's search followed earlier searches of King Country properties by police on Monday.

Six Otorohanga residents were also arrested, including three members of the same family. They face charges of selling cannabis, possessing cannabis for sale and offering to sell cannabis.

Those arrested include a man charged with possession of cannabis and cannabis oil for sale and the selling of both illicit drug items.

"The man was also charged with illegal possession of ammunition and utensils for the use of methamphetamine and cannabis," Mr Hudson said.

Two Otorohanga women also face drugs charges, both for possession of cannabis for supply, while one also faces charges of selling cannabis and offering the drug for sale.

- NZPA

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10596238

 

[kingpin007]

Drugs charge for woman visiting bikie

September 09, 2009 09:57pm

DRUGS and almost $50,000 cash was discovered in a car driven by two women visiting a Bandido bikie inmate at a Sydney jail.
The pair had driven the vehicle to the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater today when they came to the attention of sniffer dogs about 2pm.

"The women appeared nervous and were visibly shaking when a drug detection K9 approached them in the line-up," Department of Corrective Services commissioner Ron Woodham said.

After being cautioned about bringing contraband into a prison, one of the women allegedly admitted to having amphetamine in her handbag.

About 1g of powder, believed to be speed was discovered, Mr Woodham said.

She has been charged with drugs possession.

Almost $45,000 in cash, marijuana, white powder and a knife was later discovered in the boot of the car the women arrived in, he said.

Mr Woodham said authorities were still investigating who owned the vehicle after the women claimed it did not belong to them.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,26051930-29277,00.html

 

[modoq]

Four face drug, neglect charges

10th September 2009

FOUR people accused of running a major Coffs Harbour drug syndicate are before the local court, facing a raft of charges including drug supply, manufacture and child neglect.

Two men and two women are alleged to have been part of the crime ring, which was run from homes in Boultwood and Vincent streets.

In February, police raided four homes, arresting eight adults.

While eight children were taken into the care of authorities.

Police will allege the accused ran an operation that swapped stolen goods for drugs, and that amphetamines were manufactured from a laboratory set up in one of the houses.

Five men and three women were charged by police with running the operation. While four of the accused have appeared before the local court.

Gregory John Lacey, 48, of Earl Street, is facing 24 charges including possession of stolen property and the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs.

Robert Anthony Bourke, 49, of Boultwood Street, is charged with eight offences including drug possession, supplying a prohibited drug and three counts of possessing goods suspected of being stolen.

Amanda Lee Duggan, 28, of Boultwood Street, will answer to charges, including three counts of child neglect and three counts of exposing a child to drug use.

While Kempsey woman Kelly Harris, 33, will answer to five charges, including child neglect and exposing a child to the manufacture of drugs.

All four are yet to enter pleas, and will next reappear in court on September 29.

The crown will allege that police seized more than 700 stolen items during the raids, including laptop computers, mobile phones, bicycles, jewellery and musical instruments.

Coffs Coast Advocate

 

[modoq]

Drivers drugs tested near Mildura

Posted Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:39am AEST

Police have tested 150 drivers for drugs in a two-day operation near Mildura.

A Sydney-based specialist drugs testing unit tested drivers on the Sturt Highway near Gol Gol on the New South Wales border on Tuesday night and again last night.

Senior Constable Dave Gardner says the units are mobile and regularly visit all parts of NSW.

He says of the 150 drivers drug tested in this operation, three gave preliminary positive tests to cannabis and their samples will be sent for further analysis.

"The illicit drugs that we test for are the speed group drugs, which of course encompasses ecstasy tablets, amphetamines, crystal meth, 'ice' and also cannabis," Senior Constable Gardner said.

"Often surprisingly it's the speed group drugs that are popping up but out here it seems to be cannabis that is the drug of choice."

ABC News