The Australian/NZ Drug Busts Mega-Thread Part Deux

[kingpin007]

Commercial quantity of drugs seized, man charged – Wollongong
Tuesday, 03 Mar 2009 05:32am

A man has been arrested and a commercial quantity of marijuana seized in a police operation south of Sydney yesterday.

At 1pm (Monday 2 March) police attached to the Wollongong Drug Unit attended a home in Valetta Street at West Wollongong.

Upon entering the home officers will allege that they located a sophisticated hydroponic set up and 71 cannabis plants of varying heights. The plants have an estimated potential street value of $142,000.

A 35-year-old West Wollongong man was arrested at the home and taken to Wollongong Police station.

The man was later charged with cultivate commercial quantity of prohibited plant. He has been bail refused to appear at Wollongong Local Court today.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjUzNDguaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Three charged following alleged ongoing supply of prohibited drugs - Strike Force Callum
Wednesday, 04 Mar 2009 05:31am

Two men and a woman have been arrested and charged following a six-month investigation into drug supply in Sydney’s south west.

Strike Force Callum, comprising detectives from Green Valley Local Area Command, was established in October 2008 to conduct inquiries into the alleged supply of heroin in the Hinchinbrook area.

During the lengthy investigation, it will be alleged that two men and a woman supplied quantities of heroin to undercover police.

Following inquiries, yesterday (Tuesday 3 March) police arrested a 33-year-old Leumeah man at Hinchinbrook allegedly in possession of six ounces of heroin and an amount of cash.

Police then executed two search warrants at homes in Collerenabri Road, Hinchinbrook, and Arunta Place, Leumeah.

It will be alleged police located and seized more than $60,000, heroin, drug paraphernalia and a press machine believed to have been used to press heroin at the Hinchinbrook home. As a result a 27-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were arrested at the home.

Police will allege about 285 grams of heroin was purchased by undercover police during the operation.

All three people were taken to Green Valley Police Station where they were each charged with supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, six counts of supplying a prohibited drug and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

All three people have been refused bail and are due to appear at Liverpool Local Court today.

Police from Green Valley, Macquarie Fields, Campbelltown and Fairfield Local Area Commands, Wetherill Park and Penrith Region Enforcement Squads, State Surveillance and Undercover Branches, the Dog Squad and Polair were involved in the investigation.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjUzNjIuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[mushi mushi 88]

Jesus talk about a hell of a lot of coke and heroin busts in the last few weeks... They seem to be cracking down on that shit pretty hard aye.

 

[hoptis]

Ecstasy bust hits Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
By Paul Kent
The Daily Telegraph
March 05, 2009 12:00am

THOUSANDS of ecstasy tablets destined for Saturday's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney were taken out of circulation last night after a major police operation.

Strike Force Boult, a four-month undercover investigation, ended in police from the Surry Hills Regional Enforcement Squad swooping on a McDonalds restaurant at Kingswood shortly after 10.30pm (AEDT) to arrest a 22-year-old man.

Ryan Kirkbride, from Wentworthville, was charged with selling a large commercial supply of a prohibited drug.

Police will allege Mr Kirkbride was organising the supply of 2000 ecstasy pills for Saturday's Mardi Gras.

Worth about $80,000 on the streets, police, more importantly, believe the arrest has ended a valuable supply chain to this weekend's gay parade.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Catherine Burn hailed the bust as a significant blow ahead of the parade.

"We will be alleging that the drugs were destined for the Mardi Gras parade," Ms Burn told The Daily Telegraph last night.

"The disruption of this drug supply chain has put a dent into the market and it will reduce the amount of drugs available.

"It's essential that people understand we are going to target drug crime up to and including the Mardi Gras parade."

Strike Force Boult was formed last October, targeting large scale ecstasy supply in the Sydney area.

Police will allege Kirkbride sold a large commercial quantity of ecstasy to an undercover officer numerous times during the investigation.

It culminated last night with his arrest for organising the sale of a further 2000 pills.

A large amount of pills were allegedly found in Kirkbride's car after his arrest.

Three separate cars were hit during the arrest, however police charged only Kirkbride.

He provided little resistance.

At the same time police raided his home in Wentworthville.

"It is an extremely significant result for the Surry Hills Regional Enforcement Squad," Ms Burn said.
She praised the work of officers involved in the operation.

"There is a link to the Mardi Gras," she said. "It's a win for the NSW Police force just before a major event in Sydney."

More than 10,000 gays and lesbians are expected to march in the Mardi Gras.

Daily Telegraph

 

[phase_dancer]

Ha! 2000 pills would hardly put a dent in Mardi Gras festivities. Not only that, but the variety of drugs often seen at Mardi Gras events can be huge. I guess for 700-2000 patrons, they will either get their pills elsewhere or have to settle for one of the many other ‘tasty’ alternatives.

Having enjoyed the success of last year’s 30th birthday celebration, which saw almost 400,000 people line the streets to witness 10,000 participants march, dance and prance in largest ever Mardi Gras parade, the organisers of this year’s event are determined not to be overshadowed by 2008’s birthday milestone.

Tourism Australia


So, at it's best-worst, where no other pills are able to be sourced, this bust will mean no pills for a whopping 0.5% of last year's crowd. For arguments sake, let's say the total E using fraction of that is ~5%, an unrealistically conservative number by any estimate, but that means enterprising suppliers will be able to offload ~20,000 pills at least. The actual using figure is more likely several times more than the hyperthetical 5%, but which-ever way you look at it, statements like "a significant blow" as made in that article are quite laughable.

Anyway, could anyone really ever imagine a drug free or close to drug free Sydney Mardi Gras? The city would lose an enormous amount of money as party goers look instead to places like Brazil for their flamboyant and hedonistic playtime.

 

[Sustanon]

yeah ahaha 2000 pills is nothing. A small nightclub eats that much in one night. Im new to Australia and never seen anything like the mardi gra but im guessing there will be tens of thousands of people there.

 

[kingpin007]

Two men charged after police raid property, drugs found – Far North Coast
Thursday, 05 Mar 2009 07:25pm

Two men will face court on drug charges after police raided a property in Dyraaba on the State’s Far North Coast yesterday.

About 1:50pm, Police from Richmond Local Area Command attended a property on Caruthers Road where they allegedly located a large amount of cannabis in a shed.

A search warrant was conducted on the property where it will be alleged officers found a large amount of dried cannabis leaf in the shed and house with an estimated potential street value of $47,500.

Officers also allegedly located an amount of cannabis seeds and drug paraphernalia during the search.

It will also be alleged a cannabis crop was found in the State Forest near the border of the property where a total of 82 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of $250,000 was seized.

A 45-year-old man was spoken to at the property and issued with a court attendance notice for the offences of possession of a prohibited drug and supplying a prohibited drug. He is expected to appear at Kyogle Local Court on the 16 April 2009.

A 22-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Lismore Police Station.

He was charged with an outstanding warrant for his arrest as well as possession of a prohibited drug and possession of equipment to administer a prohibited drug.

The man was refused bail and appeared at Lismore Local Court today and will now face Kyogle Local Court on 16 April 2009.

Investigations into the matter are continuing.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjUzODQuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

52-year old man charged with prohibited drug possession - Armidale
Thursday, 05 Mar 2009 04:18pm

Police from Armidale Target Action Group arrested and charged a 52-year-old man for drug possession yesterday.

About 12:55pm on (Wednesday 4 March) police arrested a 52-year- old man allegedly acting suspiciously in Central Park near Beardy Street.

Police will allege the man was observed to place a prohibited drug in a garbage bin within the park.

The man was arrested without incident after a short foot pursuit and taken to Armidale Police Station.

He was charged with Possess Prohibited Drug (x2) and will appear at Armidale Local Court on the 16 March.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjUzODAuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Drug Squad detectives seize and destroy $4m cannabis crops – Mudgee
Friday, 06 Mar 2009 03:11pm


Editors Note: Video footage of the drug operation will be sent via Prime TV Orange/Seven News. Still images will be available by contacting the Police Media Unit on (02) 8263 6100

State Crime Command Drug Squad detectives have raided a property near Mudgee, in the state’s central west, arresting four men and dismantling a large cannabis cultivation operation.

Just before 8am today, more than two dozen police from Strike Force Bokhara, comprising officers from the Drug Squad, Dog Squad and Mudgee and Hunter Valley Local Area Commands, executed a search warrant on the isolated 600 acre farm in Cliffdale Rd at Turill, 80km north of Mudgee.

Four men - aged 31, 36, 44 and 61 - were arrested at the scene, which was under covert surveillance for several days.

Police allegedly located two separate cannabis crops, containing around 1,500 mature plants, with an estimated potential street value of about $4million.

In addition, officers allegedly found sophisticated irrigation lines set up on the rugged bushland property.

The cannabis plants were ripped from the ground, recorded into evidence and will be destroyed in a large burn off, supervised by units from the Rural Fire Service.

The four men were taken to Mudgee Police Station where they are assisting detectives with their inquiries.

At the same time, Drug Squad detectives and police from the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command’s Pro-Active Crime Team executed another search warrant at an address in Lake Heights.

They allegedly confiscated a number of items and documents relating to the cannabis operation to assist in the ongoing investigation.

Drug Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Nick Bingham, has hailed the raid as a huge success.

“This sends a clear message to those who think they’re safe cultivating cannabis in remote locations throughout the state,” Detective Superintendent Bingham said.

“We’re watching them and sooner or later they’ll get caught,” Det Supt Bingham added.

The operation compliments an ongoing Drug Squad Cannabis Eradication Program this year which has already resulted in the destruction of millions of dollars in drugs across New South Wales.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjU0MDAuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[hoptis]

Haul puts dent in drug trade
Henry Tuttiett
Saturday, March 7, 2009
© The Cairns Post

MORE than $100,000 in suspected drug money and 50,000 drug deals have been taken off Cairns streets following a major drug bust by police.

Cairns detectives and members of the Tactical Crime Squad searched several properties in Cairns early yesterday morning and arrested eight people - bringing to an end an 18-month operation.

Far Northern Region Drug Squad Det Sen-Sgt Mick Dowie said he expected four of the arrested men would be charged with drug-related offences last night, while investigations into the others were continuing.

Sen-Sgt Dowie said police were happy with the latest haul, which was linked to a bust at Cairns airport last week.

"In the past three weeks, the drug squad have removed about 660g of methamphetamines, 120g of cocaine, in excess of 500g of ecstasy and about $100,000 in cash," he said.

"The arrest at the airport last week was definitely linked to this operation.

"We couldn't compromise the operation at that stage but in saying that we have again seized a large amount of money and drugs from that person and he will be charged again today."

Sen-Sgt Dowie said he was confident a major dent had been made in the local drug trade.

Cairns Post

 

[kingpin007]

Suspected OMCG member arrested, charged with drug matters – Sydney’s south-west
Saturday, 07 Mar 2009 10:30am

Police in Sydney’s south-west have arrested and charged two men after seizing drugs and cash during a vehicle stop at Ashcroft.

Officers from Green Valley Local Area Command’s Proactive Crime Team stopped a silver-coloured Hyundai Excel in Byrne Street, Ashcroft, at 7.25pm yesterday (Friday 6 March).

Police spoke with the two male occupants of the car before searching them and the vehicle.

During the search police allegedly located more than 700 ecstasy tablets and a significant sum of cash.

Both men were arrested and taken to Green Valley Police Station for questioning.

A 20-year-old man – believed to be a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) – was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and having goods suspected of being stolen in his custody. He’s been refused bail to appear in Parramatta Bail Court today.

Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man has been bailed to appear in Liverpool Local Court on 23 March 2009, charged with having goods suspected of being stolen in his custody.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjU0MTAuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Two more arrests as hydroponic cannabis haul hits $6 million — Strike Force Morvan
Saturday, 07 Mar 2009 05:30am

A strike force targeting the alleged leaders of a hydroponic cannabis cultivation and distribution syndicate has seized almost $6 million in cannabis products during its investigations to date.

The latest arrests were made during search warrants executed by Strike Force Morvan detectives at Auburn and Millers Point yesterday (Friday 6 March).

A 45-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man were arrested during the execution of a search warrant of a house in Adderley Street West Auburn.

The woman was charged with cultivating enhanced indoor prohibited plant, supply and possess prohibited drug, steal electricity and participate in a criminal group. She was refused bail and is expected to appear in Parramatta Local Court later today.

The 19-year-old man was charged with concealing serious offences and was granted bail.

Hydroponic cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of $250,000 were discovered at the Auburn address.

A number of documents were seized by police from a house in Windmill Street at Millers Point and these are being examined by detectives.

The arrests yesterday follow the arrest and charging of four men after the discovery of more than $1m in hydroponic cannabis products in houses across Sydney last week.

Strike Force Morvan detectives have arrested 11 people to date, all allegedly high-ranking members of a cannabis cultivation and distribution syndicate.

During their investigations, strike force detectives have seized 1010 plants with an estimated potential street value of more than $5 million.

More than 85 kilograms of cannabis leaf, with an estimated potential street value of $700,000 have also been seized.

Strike Force Morvan was established in June 2008 after the detection of numerous hydroponic premises in the Blair Athol area.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjU0MDIuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Drugs seized near WA border

* Chloe Johnson
* March 9, 2009 - 11:45AM

Police have found over $1 million of methylamphetamine and a large quantity of testosterone in a car stopped near the WA border town of Eucla.

Police claim they found the testosterone - a performance enhancing drug - in a Toyota Hilux belonging to a 23-year-old NSW man after searching the vehicle on Eyre Highway at 12pm.

They arrested the man and confiscated the vehicle.

After searching the car more extensively, police found four packages of methylamphetamine weighing about three kilograms in a panel behind the passenger's seat.

Police say this quantity of methylamphetamine would have a street value of more than $1.2 million.

The man has been charged with possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply, and possessing a prohibited drug.

He will appear before the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court today.

http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/drugs-seized-near-wa-border-20090309-8swo.html

 

[hoptis]

Two men face drug charges over 20kg od heroin from Pakistan
Article from: Herald Sun
Paul Anderson
March 10, 2009 12:23pm

UPDATE 2.05pm: TWO Melbourne men have faced court over plans to import 20kg of heroin in rugs flown from Pakistan in an alleged smuggling ploy.

Two men charged over the alleged importation of an estimated 20kgs of heroin appeared briefly in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.

William Christos, 55, of Preston, stood with the help of a walking stick as Magistrate Ian Gray granted him unopposed bail with strict conditions including a $50,000 surety.

Co-accused Zaheen Azizi, 31, of Keilor Downs, will apply for bail later this month.

Both men have been charged with conspiring to import a commercial quantity of heroin in what the Australian Federal Police allege was one of the most “intricate concealments authorities have uncovered”.

It is alleged the heroin was imported in rugs in an air consignment from Pakistan.

The rugs were part of a package flown in from Pakistan on March 1 and examined by Customs and Border Protection officers.

They found a white powder substance intricately concealed within the rugs that tests showed to be heroin, an Australian Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman said.

Both men were arrested on Sunday.

The Australian Federal Police executed search warrants on March 8 and both men were arrested near their homes.

The maximum penalty for the offences is life imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine.

Herald Sun

 

[hoptis]

Weapons, drugs seized in police raids in Melbourne's west
Article from: Herald Sun
Aaron Langmaid
March 10, 2009 03:27pm

KNIVES, stun guns and drugs were among items seized by police after a series of raids across the western suburbs last month.

A search of 11 properties in Melton, Caroline Springs, Werribee and Mt Cottrell uncovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and drugs.

Nineteen people were charged with a total of 85 offences including aggravated burglary, trafficking and drug possession.

A 27-year-old Werribee man was remanded to appear at the Sunshine Magistrates Court on March 19. The other offenders will appear in court at a later date.

The raids were carried out after more than 71 burglaries were reported in the region during February.

Melton's Detective Acting Sergeant Andrew Eyries said the investigations and search warrants came after members of the public and confidential sources provided information to investigators.

Anyone with further information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Herald Sun

 

[kingpin007]

Police raid alleged drug house, arresting two - Maitland

Thursday, 12 Mar 2009 03:53pm


***Editors Note: Video footage of the police operation and arrests will be issued via NBN News/Nine Network. Stills will be available by contacting the NSW Police Media Unit on (02) 8263 6100***

Police from the Central Hunter Local Area Command have smashed their way into a heavily-fortified alleged drug house today during a crackdown on street-level distribution at Maitland.

Around 6.40 this morning (Thursday 12 March), officers attached to Strike Force Challice forced entry to a house in Logan Road, Rutherford.

The search warrant was executed after a four month-long investigation by local detectives and the Central Hunter Target Action Group into the supply of methylamphetamine or ‘speed’ in the Maitland area.

Police found an amount of white powder, believed to be methylamphetamine, inside the home, along with $3,500 cash.

They also seized a number of electrical goods, including plasma televisions, suspected of being proceeds of crime.

Detectives arrested a man and woman, both aged 38, at the house.

They were taken to the Maitland Police Station.

The man was charged with four counts of supply prohibited drug, one count of supply on an ongoing basis and one count of conducting a drug premises.

The woman was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug, one count of supply on an ongoing basis and one count of conducting a drug premises.

Both have been refused bail and ordered to appear before the Maitland Local Court tomorrow.

The officer-in-charge of the operation, Detective Senior Constable Glenn Westwood, said getting inside the alleged drug house was a challenge.

“We had to use specially-trained Public Order Operational Support Group officers (P.O.O.S.G.) to gain access to the premises,” Detective Westwood said.

“We also found an elaborate security surveillance set-up inside the premises,” he added.

“Today’s operation is designed to send a clear message to all drug dealers in the Central Hunter area.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjU0NjEuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Detectives lay additional drug-related charges – Organised Crime Squad

Thursday, 12 Mar 2009 04:59pm

Organised Crime Squad detectives, under the NSW State Crime Command, have today laid additional charges against a man at court, following investigations into drug-related offences.

nSF Beach is the first investigation being conducted by the newly formed Organised Crime Squad, and has been conducted in conjunction with the New South Wales Crime Commission.

nOn the 24 December 2008 detectives from the Organised Crime Squad attended a factory unit at Eastgardens, in the city’s south, where they subsequently arrested a 37-year-old man from Bellevue Hills.

nInside the factory detectives will allege they located an electric pill press, numerous tablet dyes, about 3.1 kg of MDMA, with an estimated street value of more than $2million, along with other drug-related paraphernalia.


Today, detectives laid an additional charge of supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug (MDMA) against the man when he appeared at Downing Centre Local Court. This offence carries a life sentence.


The 37-year-old was previously charged on 24 December with possess prohibited drug and possess a tablet press

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjU0NjMuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Three more arrests as hydroponic cannabis haul hits $6.75 million — Strike Force Morvan

Friday, 13 Mar 2009 10:04am

**** Editors’ note: Moving footage of the Condell Park arrest will be made available via Network Ten, while still images can be obtained via email by contacting the NSW Police Media Unit on (02) 8263 6100. ****

Asian Crime Squad detectives, attached to the NSW State Crime Command, have arrested an additional three people following ongoing investigations into an alleged multi-million-dollar hydroponic cannabis syndicate.

The recent arrests were made by Strike Force Morvan detectives during operations conducted yesterday and this morning at Condell Park and Penrith.

Strike Force Morvan was established in June last year after the detection of numerous hydroponic premises in the Blair Athol area, and has conducted numerous investigations into an alleged cannabis cultivation and distribution syndicate operating across metropolitan Sydney.

Abut 6am today, detectives attended a home on Parker Street at Penrith and conducted a search warrant, where they located and seized a total of 95 cannabis plants of varying maturity, worth an estimated potential street value of $300,000.

A 22-year-old Penrith man was arrested at the scene. He’s been taken to Penrith Police Station where he is currently assisting with inquiries, where charges are expected to be laid.

Yesterday detectives conducted a search warrant at a home on Higgins Street at Condell Park about 1.15pm, where they located about 124 cannabis plants of varying maturity, worth an estimated potential street value of $450,000.

Detectives also located two females aged 59 and 24, inside the premises at the time, along with two children, including a six-year-old girl, and a three-year-old boy. The children were located safe and well, and DOCS have been notified of the matter.

A 28-year-old male fled the scene upon police arrival at the home, and was later arrested a short time later at a neighbouring property.

He, along with the 59-year-old woman, were taken to Bankstown Police Station where they were subsequently charged with enhanced indoor cultivation of a commercial quantity - expose child, participate in a criminal group, and use/consume electricity without authority. They’ve been bail refused to appear at Bankstown Local Court this morning.

The 24-year-old woman was questioned and released pending further inquiry.

These recent arrests follow the previous arrest of two women aged 54 and 19, at a house in West Auburn earlier this month.

Strike Force Morvan detectives have to date arrested 14 people and seized more than 1200 cannabis plants.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjU0NjkuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

News : 13.3.09 - pizza shop drug bust

PIZZA DRUG BUST

13/03/2009 1:31:00 AM

A PIZZA shop co-owner allegedly used pizza deliveries to distribute large quantities of drugs over a 12-month period, the Ballarat Magistrates Court heard yesterday.

Don Ciccio's Pizza and Pasta co-owner Tony Bazzano, 45, of Ballarat, allegedly sourced the party drug amphetamine in ounces from well-known Ballarat and Melbourne underworld identities and sold it to motorcycle gang members, the court heard.

It is alleged the street value of the drugs Bazzano sold is about $56,000.

Bazzano was yesterday charged with one count each of trafficking amphetamine, ecstasy and cannabis, one count each of possessing cannabis and amphetamine, and dealing with property suspected as the proceeds of crime, during

police drug bust Operation Gagmen.

Ballarat Regional Response Unit Senior Constable Steve Atkinson told the court police executed a search warrant at several addresses across Ballarat as part of the operation.

He said Bazzano was arrested after 7am at a Sebastopol address where 60 ecstasy tablets and between 20 to 30 grams of amphetamine valued at about $5500 were seized.

Sen Const Atkinson said almost $3000 cash was also seized.

Police arrested three people during the operation, but one man was released without being charged.

Sen Const Atkinson also said police saw Bazzano exchange drugs with another man outside the Howitt St pizza shop in Wendouree on February 17 this year, and police seized three grams of amphetamine.

Bazzano made a bail application in court yesterday, which police opposed, and Magistrate Fiona Stewart refused.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Damon Saunders told the court Bazzano was at risk of interfering with witnesses and committing further offences.

He said Bazzano had prior charges for assault, assault with a weapon and threatening to kill.

Representing himself in court, Bazzano said his partner was pregnant, he would spend 15 hours at the pizza shop and he would turn his life around.

Bazzano was remanded in custody to appear in court on Wednesday, when he is expected to make another bail application.

http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/pizza-drug-bust/1459216.aspx

 

[kingpin007]

Penrith arrest for $300,000 cannabis bust

BY ANITA MAGLICIC
13/03/2009 11:32:00 AM

A Penrith man was arrested at his home early this morning after police found $300,000 worth of cannabis at the site.

At 6am this morning, Asian Crime Squad detectives from Strike Force Morvan searched the Parker Street home and seized 95 cannabis plants of varying maturity.

A 22-year-old Penrith man was arrested at the scene. Hes been taken to Penrith Police Station where he is currently assisting with inquiries, where charges are expected to be laid.

Strike Force Morvan was established in June last year after the detection of numerous hydroponic premises in the Blair Athol area, and has conducted numerous investigations into an alleged cannabis cultivation and distribution syndicate operating across metropolitan Sydney.

Strike Force Morvan detectives have to date arrested 14 people and seized more than 1200 cannabis plants.

Yesterday detectives conducted a search warrant at a home on Higgins Street at Condell Park about 1.15pm, where they located about 124 cannabis plants of varying maturity, worth an estimated potential street value of $450,000.

http://penrith.yourguide.com.au/new...-arrest-for-300000-cannabis-bust/1458694.aspx