The Australian/NZ Drug Busts Mega-Thread Part Deux

[zeekz]

Sniffer dogs crack down on Summadayze revellers

* Claire Kelly
* January 4, 2009 - 3:17PM


A police crackdown has seen thousands of Summadayze festival-goers checked for drugs by sniffer dogs at train stations in Perth today.

More than 40 police officers supported by six drug-sniffer dogs, Customs and Corrective Services staff took part in the operation, which began at 11am.

Police Rail Unit Sergeant Brian Beck said about 15,000 people would be checked by the dogs today.

There had already been significant drug seizures made by police, with at least two people arrested and charged with intent to sell and supply.

"The main drug we are finding is ecstasy and we've also found a bit of cannabis on people as well," Sergeant Beck said.

He said the operation at the Perth Underground and Esplanade train stations was targeting the supply and use of illicit drugs on public transport and at the Summadayze event.

"We're trying to crackdown on use of these illicit drugs at these events, we had a similar operation at Global Gathering last year," he said.

He said the operation sent a warning to festival-goers because those who were arrested for drugs would now miss the concert.

"We're making it clear to people, we're not going to tolerate people using or supplying illicit drugs at festivals," he said.

Festival-goer Daniel Burton, 18, said he did not have any issues with being checked for drugs by sniffer dogs.

"The police are doing a good thing, they're not holding the crowds up with it," he said.


http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/sniffer-dogs-crack-down-on-summadayze-revellers-20090104-79qx.html

 

[kingpin007]

Man charged over the discovery of drugs and almost $85,000 in cash during traffic stop — Eastlakes
Saturday, 03 Jan 2009 12:02pm

Police have arrested and charged a Thai national after the discovery of cash and drugs in a car stopped overnight at Eastlakes in Sydney.

Around 12.35am today, Botany Bay Highway Patrol officers detected a grey Nissan coupe allegedly travelling at up to 137km/h in a sign-posted 80km/h zone on Southern Cross Drive.

Police stopped and searched the vehicle, allegedly finding $84,200 in cash and $5,200 in casino chips.

Officers also seized 33 tablets and a small quantity of powder, thought to be MDMA (ecstasy).

The vehicle was confiscated pending an application for seizure under proceeds of crime legislation.

A 27-year-old L-plate driver was arrested and taken to the Mascot Police Station.

He was charged with supply prohibited drug, knowingly deal in proceeds of crime, deal in goods suspected of being proceeds of crime, possess prohibited drug, learner exceed speed by 45km/h and other traffic matters.

The Ultimo resident was refused bail and ordered to appear before the Parramatta Bail Court today.

Further inquiries into the man’s background indicated his visa expired in 2007.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has been notified.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjQ1OTcuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==



(All I can say it what a dumb cunt , your suppose to drive like a grandmother if you got that much stuff on you.)

 

[hoptis]

Member of public finds 1kg of 'ice' worth $350,000
Article from: PerthNow
Nicole Cox, police reporter
January 06, 2009 12:00pm

WA POLICE are investigating the discovery in a park of more than 1kg of crystal methylamphetamine with an estimated street value of more than $350,000.

A man who had been walking his dog stumbled upon the 1kg package of the drug, more commonly known as ``ice'', on October 16 last year in a patch of disrupted soil at a small park in Observatory Ave in Aubin Grove, a new southern Perth suburb.

When the man fossicked around in the soil, he unearthed the package and suspecting it to be drugs, alerted police.

The package was seized by police for analysis and tests later confirmed it was methylamphetamine.

Detective Sergeant James Bradley said drug dealers were using creative measures to conceal and distribute their wares. He said it was not uncommon for dealers to stash drugs in public places.

``We are finding drugs concealed in very creative ways,'' Det Sgt-Bradley said.

``People will go to great lengths to conceal a drug so they are not found in possession of it.

``It is concerning, but not surprising, that someone would do this.

``Of even greater concern is if the drugs may have fallen into the wrong hands, maybe even the hands of children.

``We would ask anybody that lives in the area, especially around that park, to contact CrimeStoppers.''

Anyone with information about the package, who may have sighted the drugs or suspicious behaviour in the area in early October, is urged to call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Perth Now

 

[Sustanon]

Member of public finds 1kg of 'ice' worth $350,000
Article from: PerthNow
Nicole Cox, police reporter
January 06, 2009 12:00pm

WA POLICE are investigating the discovery in a park of more than 1kg of crystal methylamphetamine with an estimated street value of more than $350,000.

A man who had been walking his dog stumbled upon the 1kg package of the drug, more commonly known as ``ice'', on October 16 last year in a patch of disrupted soil at a small park in Observatory Ave in Aubin Grove, a new southern Perth suburb.

When the man fossicked around in the soil, he unearthed the package and suspecting it to be drugs, alerted police.

The package was seized by police for analysis and tests later confirmed it was methylamphetamine.

Detective Sergeant James Bradley said drug dealers were using creative measures to conceal and distribute their wares. He said it was not uncommon for dealers to stash drugs in public places.

``We are finding drugs concealed in very creative ways,'' Det Sgt-Bradley said.

``People will go to great lengths to conceal a drug so they are not found in possession of it.

``It is concerning, but not surprising, that someone would do this.

``Of even greater concern is if the drugs may have fallen into the wrong hands, maybe even the hands of children.

``We would ask anybody that lives in the area, especially around that park, to contact CrimeStoppers.''

Anyone with information about the package, who may have sighted the drugs or suspicious behaviour in the area in early October, is urged to call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Perth Now

Wow, wish i found a big stash like that lol

I wouldnt have to worry about scoring no more))

 

[hoptis]

Ecstasy bust follows heated highway row
Mex Cooper
January 9, 2009 - 10:58AM

Police called to a heated domestic dispute on a freeway in Melbourne's west last night allegedly found the arguing couple with a bag of 10,000 ecstasy tablets.

- Police called to angry argument
- Couple fighting on roadside
- Allegedly discover 10,000 ecstasy tablets

Motorists reported a man and woman fighting in the emergency lane of the Princes Freeway in Laverton about 6pm.

When Werribee police arrived at the scene, the couple allegedly sped off in a green Mitsubishi sedan leading police on a short high-speed chase to Altona Meadows, where the male driver fled on foot.

Police allege drugs and money were found in the car and when the man was arrested nearby, a black sports bag containing 10,000 ecstasy pills was discovered.

A Tarneit man, 27, and a Hillside woman, 22, have been charged with drug related offences, including trafficking, and driving offences.

The pair are due to face Sunshine Magistrates Court today.

The Age

 

[hoptis]

$2.45m cocaine 'hidden in batteries'
Article from: AAP
January 10, 2009 01:55pm

A 56-year-old Canadian man is set to face a Sydney court today charged with attempting to smuggle into Australia 10kg of cocaine, with a street value of $2.45 million, using forklift batteries.

Customs officers allegedly made the discovery on December 22, 2008, after inspecting a container with a forklift inside that arrived at Sydney's Port Botany facility.

An X-ray of the forklift allegedly revealed “anomalies” within the battery unit, Australian Customs said.

A white powder which tested positive for cocaine was found inside the 24 battery cells, Customs said.

Police officers were called in to investigate, and the man was located at a Bankstown hotel.

The stash was destined for an address in Moorebank, New South Wales.

“The drugs seized as a result of this operation have an approximate street value of more than $2.45 million,” AFP National Border Manager Tim Morris said.

The accused is due to face Parramatta Local Court today charged with importing and attempting to possess drugs.

Herald Sun

 

[hoptis]

Accused speed dealer for trial
Thomas Chamberlin
Saturday, January 10, 2009
© The Cairns Post

ONE man holds the key to putting an alleged Far North criminal mastermind behind bars for his connection to trafficking methamphetamines.

Former drug addict and dealer turned police informant Thomas Grule yesterday gave evidence against former friend and drug associate Mark Parisi.

Mr Grule spoke of allegedly receiving between 28g and 56g of methamphetamine a week from Mr Parisi, a deal worth $21,000 and receiving a car from his drug boss as security from a drug addict.

Mr Grule said he also bought a Glock .40 calibre pistol for Mr Parisi at Atherton for $1000 and 1g of speed. He said he was later rewarded with $1500 for his efforts.

With three undercover officers by his side in court, Mr Grule, testifying with immunity from prosecution, looked downwards or away from Mr Parisi as he told Cairns magistrate Suzette Coates of his alleged dealings with the accused.

"I got it on tick. He would give it to me and I wouldn't pay for it until I sold it," he told the court.

Police allegedly found methamphetamine with a street value of $850,000 when they arrested Mr Parisi and his co-accused Leonard Schembri, 29, in March 2007 in the Far North's biggest methamphetamine sting.

Officers allege about 250g of the drug was found in the possession of each man at the time, with drugs found in the boot of Mr Parisi's car.

He was committed to the Supreme Court for supply and possession but trafficking charges had been dropped until Mr Grule made a statement to police in 2007.

In the stand yesterday, the police informant said he began dealing with Mr Parisi in 2006, after meeting him a few years earlier.

Between November 2006 and March 2007 he alleged he received drugs up to eight times, with up to 56g a week.

He had in turn dealt the drugs to up to 10 people.

Mr Grule also told the court he was paid $3000 by Mr Parisi after he organised a deal with a Townsville man called "Cole" which netted $21,000.

He told the court he travelled to Innisfail to sell drugs for Mr Parisi.

Magistrate Coates said there was sufficient evidence to commit Mr Parisi, who is currently remanded in custody, to the Supreme Court for trial for drug trafficking.

Cairns Post

 

[lil angel15]

Police dismantle Gold Coast drug lab
Marissa Calligeros | January 14, 2009 - 7:41AM

A 33-year-old Gold Coast man will appear in court today after police found what they believe to be a clandestine drug laboratory in the man's home.

Police detectives, searching the man's property at Glen Eagle about 5.30pm yesterday, found a laboratory they alleged was used to produce amphetamines.

The laboratory was dismantled by police this morning.

The man has been charged with one count each of producing a dangerous drug and the possession of a dangerous drug, and is expected to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court today.

Meanwhile, police arrested three people following the discovery of a large drug stash and associated paraphernalia at a house in Broadbeach Waters yesterday.

Police searched the Rudd Street residence about 7am.

An extendable baton and a small quantity of ammunition were also discovered on the premises.

A 24-year-old man and a 58-year-old man are assisting police with their inquiries. A 25-year-old woman has been given a notice to appear in relation to the possession of a dangerous drug.

Brisbane Times

 

[kingpin007]

Police put brakes on speed lab

Release date: Fri 16 January 2009

Last updated: Fri 16 January 2009

Police will today continue to dismantle a sophisticated and substantial drug laboratory in Roxburgh Park after searching a residential address in Preston Avenue.

Two men and two women have been arrested and charged with a number of drug manufacturing related offences.

Drug Task Force, Clandestine Laboratory Squad and Criminal Proceeds Squad police executed the search warrant at 2pm yesterday and uncovered the laboratory, which was set up to manufacture the drug methamphetamine, or speed.

An initial search of the premises located a large amount of glassware, chemicals, powders and high quality diamonds.

Illegal weapons, including a crossbow, cattle prod and imitation pistol were also seized.

The men arrested were a 28-year-old and 24-year-old from Roxburgh Park. The women arrested were a 25-year-old from Coolaroo and a 23-year-old from Mill Park.

All four have been charged with manufacture and traffic methamphetamine, cultivate a narcotic plant, possess cannabis and possess equipment for trafficking.

The four offenders were remanded in custody to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court today.

Detective Inspector Doug Fryer said the bust was part of an ongoing commitment to disrupt organised crime groups.

"The focus of the Drug Task Force is to create a hostile environment for organised crime groups, which makes it difficult, if not impossible for them to operate," he said.

"The Drug Task Force also has a message for drug traffickers, similar to the one being delivered to motorists, we will catch you."

Det Insp Fryer said when large scale drug manufacturing labs were dismantled, the lavish lifestyles and the assets of offenders were also taken.

In the past six months, the Drug Task Force has seized millions of dollars of cash, drugs and assets.

http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=18755

 

[kingpin007]

Two charged over $4.5 million heroin seizure
Saturday, 17 Jan 2009 08:34am

Two men have been charged after high-grade heroin with an estimated potential street value of $4.5 million was seized in Haymarket, Sydney.

About 9.50am yesterday, operatives from the Joint Asian Crime Group (JACG) arrested two Singaporean Nationals, aged 41 and 34, after officers stopped a taxi in George Street.

Officers searched the taxi and uncovered a suitcase, which had a large quantity of a white powder in plastic resealable bags.

The two men were taken to Surry Hills Police Station where they were interviewed by police. Both have been charged with possessing and supplying a prohibited drug. They have been refused bail and are expected to appear in Parramatta Bail Court later today.

Joint Asian Crime Group detectives also executed a search warrant at serviced apartments in Brown Street, Chatswood, yesterday afternoon.
The JACG is a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary unit comprising the AFP, NSW Police Force, Australian Customs Service, the Australian Crime Commission and the NSW Crime Commission.
The specialist expertise of its member agencies is used to target major organised criminal activity of Asian syndicates in NSW.
Footage:
Footage of the arrests and search warrants will be provided to Network Ten for feeding to other networks. Still images will be available from NSW Police Force Media Unit on 02 8263 6100.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjQ3NjIuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[Amblin]

Sniffer dogs prompt 147 arrests
January 19, 2009 - 7:31AM



Drug sniffing dogs helped police make 147 arrests at Sunday's Big Day Out music festival at the Gold Coast Parklands.

Making their first appearance at the annual event, the sniffer dogs led to 52 arrests on drug-related matters, mostly for possession of ecstasy or marijuana.

Police laid a total of 172 charges on Sunday.

A police spokeswoman said arrests for possession of drugs was down on last year, when 81 faced drug-related charges.

A further 308 concert-goers were evicted from the venue, mainly by security personnel, she said.

The Big Day Out next plays Sydney on Friday before moving to Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

AAP

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/sniffer-dogs-prompt-147-arrests/2009/01/19/1232213485999.html

 

[eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

Three Mexicans arrested over 64kg cocaine haul
December 1, 2008 - 8:23AM

Three Mexican nationals have been arrested over a $16 million cocaine haul.

The joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (US ICE) has resulted in the disruption of a transnational syndicate, the AFP said on Monday.

AFP national manager border and international, Tim Morris, said the operation has prevented the distribution of 64.6 kilograms of cocaine onto Australian streets.

"This seizure has saved the Australian community more than $18.7 million in associated health and social costs," Mr Morris said.

On October 10, US ICE informed the AFP it had detected cocaine in cargo from the United States, which was destined for Melbourne.

The cocaine allegedly originated in Mexico and was concealed within four concrete cylinders weighing 210kg each and containing ceramic goods.

American and Australian authorities co-ordinated the transport of the shipment to Australia.

The three Mexicans, a 40-year-old and 28-year-old men and a 39-year-old woman, were arrested on November 28.

They have been charged with attempting to import and conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.

They will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday morning.

The maximum penalty for those offences is life imprisonment and or a $825,000 fine.

The Age

Before this bust it was very hard to get cocaine, as soon as this bust happened the streets were flourishing again, funny coincidence

 

[kingpin007]

Mon Feb 2, 2009 2:42pm

Bush body linked to drug raid

Police say a body found in bushland near the border of New South Wales and Queensland is that of a man missing since a drug raid more than a fortnight ago.

The body of 30-year-old Jethro Matheson was found in the Border Ranges National Park near Kyogle, on the NSW north coast, on Friday.

Mr Matheson was last seen at a house at Condong, south of Tweed Heads, on January 14.

The next day, police raided the property and found more than 1,500 cannabis plants with a street value of more than $3 million.

Police say they are concerned about the welfare of a second man, 52-year-old Barry Grant, who remains missing.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/02/2480081.htm

 

[Amblin]

Police in three states dismantle major drug ring
Marissa Calligeros | February 3, 2009 - 3:25PM

A year-long operation targeting trafficking, manufacturing and large-scale distribution of illicit drugs culminated today with police storming 15 properties in South-East Queensland.

Five people, including a 44-year-old Narangba man believed to be a prominent member of the Gold Coast drag-racing fraternity, were arrested.

The man was charged with producing the drug MDMA, growing cannabis and supplying amphetamines.

Police also seized an estimated $6.1 million worth of cash and property, including six high-performance cars and five motorcycles. All the vehicles were seized from a property near Yatala, south of Brisbane.

The raids were the third stage of Operation Golf Brazen, a joint investigation of the Queensland Police Service, Australian Crime Commission and the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission.

Today, police seized four pill presses worth about $40,000 on the black market and capable of procuding 1000 pills per minute.

They also found three hydroponic set-ups, 1825 MDMA (ecstasy) tablets, 80 grams of cocaine and $1 million in cash.

Search warrants were executed on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and one in NSW.

Since the operation began 12 months ago, 45 people have been arrested on 150 charges.

ACC chief executive Alastair Milroy said the operation had made a dent in a crime syndicate operating across three states, which also included Western Australia.

"We believe the drugs were predominantly distributed on the eastern seaboard of Australia," he said. "We are very pleased to have dismantled this network."

The CMC used its star chamber powers to elicit information from persons of interest, said acting Chief Superintendent Ian Parsons.

"Our investigators have provided crucial expertise in identifying assets bought with the proceeds of crime."

The 44-year-old man was due to face Brisbane Magistrates Court today.

LINK

 

[kingpin007]

Gangs Squad arrests Rebels bikies and seizes a large ecstasy haul during operation on the Central Coast
Wednesday, 04 Feb 2009 10:04am

***Editors note- Video of the arrests will be sent via Ch.10 News and stills will be available later today through the Police Media Unit on (02) 8263 6100***

The State Crime Command Gangs Squad has smashed an alleged drug distribution network, on the state’s Central Coast, arresting four men, including two senior members of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

Armed Tactical Operations Unit and Gangs Squad officers arrested the men during a controlled operation relating to an alleged conspiracy to supply thousands of ecstasy pills.

Around 7.30 last night, detectives from Strike Force Taran, investigating the alleged manufacture and supply of methamphetamines (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy) by members and associates of the Rebels OMCG Central Coast chapters, arrested two men, aged 36 and 22, at Killarney Vale.

Two other men, aged 32 and 27, were arrested at Newcastle Airport and Wyee Point.

Police seized 6,000 ecstasy tablets, with an estimated potential street value of $180,000, a large amount of cash and three vehicles, allegedly used to distribute the drugs.

Search warrants were executed on four homes at Mannering Park, Killarney Vale and Wyee Point.

The arrests follow an 11 month Gangs Squad investigation into the alleged drug network.

The 36-year-old has been charged with knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime, supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, supply prohibited drug commercial quantity and three counts of supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity.

The 32-year-old has been charged with knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime, supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, possess prohibited firearm, two counts of supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis and possess prohibited weapon, four counts of supply prohibited drug commercial quantity and six counts of indictable supply of prohibited drug.

The 27-year-old faces charges of supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis and four counts of supply commercial quantity of prohibited drug.

The 22-year-old has been charged with supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity.

Three are due to face Wyong Local Court this morning while the 32-year-old will face Newcastle Local Court today.

Gangs Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Mal Lanyon, said further arrests were likely as police continue to target and exert pressure on outlaw bikie gangs across the state.

“All OMCGs are on notice that we will continue to focus increasing resources and attention towards them – identifying illegal activities and taking those responsible out of play,” Superintendent Lanyon said.

“Strike Force Taran has been a lengthy and comprehensive investigation in which we’ve identified several people allegedly involved in the illicit manufacture and distribution of drugs on the Central Coast,” he said.

“This was a sizeable operation which we’ve been able to dismantle but there are still others on our radar and there will be more arrests down the track.”

Since May 2007, police have arrested 877 people and laid 1961 charges as part of the Operation Ranmore crackdown on illegal OMCG activity.

The offences range from assault, supply and possession of drugs to affray and participation in a criminal group.

During December 2008, police charged 66 OCMG members and their associates with 124 offences.

Superintendent Lanyon said these figures showed the work of all commands within the NSW Police Force was making a difference.

“The excellent results demonstrated the commitment of the Police Force to use all legislative and operational opportunities to target the illegal activities of OMCG members and their associates,” he said.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjQ5OTguaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

February 4, 2009

Nine kilogram marijuana stash found in ceiling

A Gold Coast man found with more than nine kilograms of marijuana stashed in his ceiling has been jailed for six years.

Craig George McLean, 45, trafficked drugs for commercial use between January 2006 and January 2008, the Brisbane Supreme Court heard on Wednesday.

The drugs were discovered in the ceiling of McLean's garage at his home at Molendinar on the Gold Coast.

McLean told police the 9kg of marijuana was intended for commercial sale.

Police also found one gram of methylamphetamine in an esky.

A loaded .25 calibre pistol was discovered in the house, along with bags containing almost $81,000 in cash.

McLean was also found to be in possession of commercially manufactured pseudoephedrine tablets that he said were intended for resale to make methylamphetamine.

McLean told police his drug trafficking business brought in about $250,000 a year.

He pleaded guilty to nine charges including drug trafficking, possession of a dangerous drug and possessing weapons.

Justice John Byrne sentenced McLean to six years in jail, but he will be eligible for parole in February 2011.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/new...ound-in-ceiling/2009/02/04/1233423288723.html

 

[belarki]

Five arrested after Coast drug op
3:38p.m. 3rd February 2009
| By AAP

Queensland police have charged five people and seized more than $6 million worth of property after a year-long drug operation on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

The haul included 11 high performance drag-racing vehicles - six drag cars and five motorbikes - which were seized at Yatala, south of Brisbane, police said.

Earlier today, 15 search warrants were executed on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and Brisbane with one also in NSW.

A Narangba man, described as a prominent member of the drag racing community, was due to appear in court today.

The Australian Crime Commission and the Crime and Misconduct Commission were also involved in the operation, which Detective Superintendent John Pointing said had broken a significant network generating a large amount of drugs and cash.

Five people arrested have been charged with 17 offences.

http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/feb/03/five-arrested-after-coast-drug-operation/

It was in the Courier Mail today, I couldn't find an online source though, apparently ex-drag racer Brett Stevens was among those arrested. The article reported two presses being seized and mentioned chalk, caustic soda and concrete amongst the ingredients being added as pill filler along with like 4 kilos of pure MDMA (from memory). Yes you heard me.... chalk, caustic soda and concrete.... I wonder if there is even the slightest bit of truth behind that?

Edit: Sorry for the double posting - looks like Amblin beat me to it See above a few posts ^^^^

 

[lil angel15]

3 charged over Q1 drug haul
February 9th, 2009

THREE men have been charged after more than half a kilo of methamphetamine was found in an apartment in the Q1 building on the Gold Coast.

The drug is believed to be worth more than $100,000.

A 24-year-old man was arrested in a stairwell of the building about 7.30pm on Friday night and a search of his apartment revealed a further 20grams of the drug in a freezer, along with drug paraphernalia.

He has been charged with supplying dangerous drugs, possessing utensils and possessing property suspected of having been acquired for the purpose of committing a drug offence, and two counts of possessing dangerous drugs.

A 45-year-old Nelson Bay man and 19-year-old were also charged with supplying dangerous drugs, possessing utensils and property suspected of having been acquired for the purpose of committing a drug offence and possessing dangerous drugs.

The 19-year-old was also charged with assault or obstruct to a police officer.

The three have been held in custody and will appear in the Southport Magistrates Court in June.

News.com.au

 

[kingpin007]

Captain not guilty of importing drugs

5:37p.m. 10th February 2009

| By Christine Flatley

A ship's master has been acquitted of helping to organise two failed attempts to bring millions of dollars of cannabis resin into Australia.

A Brisbane Supreme Court jury found Andrew Robert Hyde not guilty on Tuesday of using his vessel, Highlander, to try to bring almost eight tonnes of the drug into Queensland in late 1996.

It had been alleged that Hyde, 51, of Mooloolaba, and other co-conspirators, organised for Highlander to meet another boat in waters off Tuvalu, a Polynesian island nation in the Pacific Ocean, where the drugs were to be transferred.

Commonwealth prosecutor Glen Rice told the court that Hyde made two attempts in September and October 1996 to collect the drugs, but the planned rendezvous failed to eventuate.

Hyde returned to Queensland's Sunshine Coast after the second trip and transferred responsibility for the Highlander before heading to South America, the court was told.

He had allegedly already left the country before the drugs were eventually imported by others and seized under a joint Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Customs investigation.

Hyde pleaded not guilty to conspiring to import prohibited imports.

http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/feb/10/aap-captain-not-guilty-of-importing-drugs/

 

[kingpin007]

Mon Feb 2, 2009 2:42pm

Bush body linked to drug raid

Police say a body found in bushland near the border of New South Wales and Queensland is that of a man missing since a drug raid more than a fortnight ago.

The body of 30-year-old Jethro Matheson was found in the Border Ranges National Park near Kyogle, on the NSW north coast, on Friday.

Mr Matheson was last seen at a house at Condong, south of Tweed Heads, on January 14.

The next day, police raided the property and found more than 1,500 cannabis plants with a street value of more than $3 million.

Police say they are concerned about the welfare of a second man, 52-year-old Barry Grant, who remains missing.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/02/2480081.htm

Update :

Man charged – Strike Force Danbury
Friday, 13 Feb 2009 05:16am

Police from Strike Force Danbury have charged a man over a cannabis crop located at Condong in January.

The strike force had been searching for a 51-year-old man and 30-year-old Jethro Matheson after more than 1500 cannabis plants were discovered at the property on Eviron Road on 15 January.

Police launched a murder investigation after the decomposed body of Mr Matheson was found dumped in bushland in the Border Rangers National Park near Kyogle on Friday 30 January.

Yesterday afternoon, a man presented himself to Byron Bay Police and was interviewed by detectives.

The man, from Condong, was charged with cultivate a large commercial quantity of a prohibited plant, supply prohibit plant, supply prohibited drug and two counts of possess prohibited drug.

The 51-year-old man was refused bail and will appear at Byron Bay Local Court later today.

Detectives from Strike Force Danbury, comprising investigators from Tweed/Byron Local Area Command and the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, are continuing with their investigation into the alleged murder of Jethro Matheson.

They are appealing for anyone with information about Mr Matheson’s death to contact Tweed Heads Police Station via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.