The Australian/NZ Drug Busts Mega-Thread Part Deux

[modoq]

Three charged after drug lab found

July 10, 2009 06:44am

THREE people have been charged after police allegedly found a clandestine drug laboratory in a home west of Brisbane, police say.

Two men, aged 50 and 48, and a 25-year-old woman were charged after police searched the Rosewood home about 6pm (AEST) yesterday and allegedly found the laboratory and hydroponic equipment.

The trio were charged with various drug offences, including producing and possessing a dangerous drug, possessing a thing used in the commission of a crime and possessing drug utensils.

They are due to appear in Ipswich Magistrates Court today.

Courier-Mail

 

[modoq]

Drug link to dead Melbourne uni consultant, Graeme Paul Smith

July 10, 2009 12:00am

A MILD-mannered Melbourne University computer specialist, who police believe led a double life cooking drugs for high-profile Melbourne criminals, has collapsed at his office and died.

Graeme Paul Smith was charged last year by Purana detectives with trafficking, attempting to traffic a large commercial quantity of amphetamine, and possession.

The 48-year-old was due to face the Supreme Court in October, along with three co-accused men allegedly involved in an amphetamines manufacturing ring. But on June 29, he collapsed and died.

Police believe Smith, who worked as an IT consultant at the university, was recruited by high-profile criminals in 2005 to cook speed at an isolated, clandestine drug laboratory north-west of Melbourne.

The high-profile criminals allegedly supplied Smith with cash, precursor chemicals and enough equipment to produce millions of dollars worth of amphetamines.

Smith's double life probably would have remained a secret had police not traced a 17-second phone call from the laboratory to his home in North Carlton.

Detectives also raided a Springvale drug laboratory in late 2007, where Smith was also accused of making drugs, seizing a .22 calibre revolver, chemicals, drug-making equipment and $67,500 cash.

Smith, who worked at Melbourne University for almost 20 years, met the criminal syndicate through a mutual interest in computers.

Sources said the middle-aged computer specialist turned to crime relatively late in life and purely for financial gain.

"He wasn't really a drug user, not a big one anyway. That would have been part of his attraction," an associate said.

Smith was arrested by Purana taskforce detectives who swooped on his university office last April. Smith was on $60,000 bail at the time of his death.

Herald Sun

 

[modoq]

Woodville cannabis crop uncovered

DOUG ROBERTSON
July 09, 2009 05:30pm

DRUG investigations detectives have arrested and charged a Woodville man with drugs offences after uncovering a "sophisticated" hydroponic set up and cannabis crop at Underdale.

Police say they found 42 plants in a warehouse at the rear of a residence and four more plants growing outside the building at Armour Ave where they arrested the man, 57.

A subsequent search of a Woodville property uncovered 10 more cannabis plants.

The accused man will face Adelaide Magistrates Court next month charged with growing a commercial crop of cannabis, which carries a maxium penalty of 25 years jail and $200,000 fine.

AdelaideNow

 

[kingpin007]

RBT leads to drug bust when driver flees

12:00a.m. 10th July 2009

| By Amy Remeikis

Police love dumb criminals.

It makes their job a lot easier.

Police drug operations, like the one which have netted more than $150,000 in illicit drugs on the Coast in recent months, take months of planning and paper work.

It is much easier when the criminal dobs himself him.

Which is effectively what one 23-year-old Buderim man allegedly did when police attempted to pull his vehicle over for a random breath test in Maroochydore on Tuesday, just after 9pm.

The police officers will allege that when they signalled for the man to stop his car, he did but then panicked and fled the vehicle on foot clutching a backpack.

The officers gave chase and allegedly saw the man throw the bag as he ran.

It wasn't much of a foot pursuit with the man and the bag in police custody within minutes.

After his reaction, the police had cause to search both the man and his property which is when they allegedly discovered 4018 ecstasy tablets.

It took the officers an hour and a half to count the pills.

The officers also allegedly found a .45 calibre handgun and about 65 grams of the drug, ice.

With an average street price of $20 to $40 an ecstasy tablet, police estimate the drug haul to be well in excess of $100,000.

The man was issued a breath test at the Maroochydore police station.

He registered 0.0%

http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/jul/10/rbt-leads-drug-bust-when-driver-flees/

 

[modoq]

Amway lady a drug mule

July 10, 2009 12:36pm

AN Amway lady was lured into bringing $750,000 of cocaine into Australia while trying to sell the product to a customer. She has been sentenced to jail.

Malaysian national Ramia Binti Jimson had hoped to use the money she got for acting as drug courier to move to a small plot of land in Bangladesh where her husband's family lived.

Instead she got eight years jail of which she will have to serve 4 1/2 years before being released on parole.

Jimson was caught at Brisbane International Airport when customs officers found 1,982.2 grams of white powder which contained 1,686.8 grams of pure cocaine, on March 3 last year.

The street value of the coacine was estimated at $759,083.

She had flown from Malaysia to Brazil to Chile and Auckland before landing in Brisbane.

In the Supreme Court in March this year, she pleaded guilty to importing a marketable quanity of coacine.

The court heard Jimson was married and divorced at a young age before remarrying a Bangladesh man and adopting the daughter of a friend who had died.

They were living in a mining town in Malaysia and Jimson decided to raise extra money by selling Amway products.

The court heard it was while trying to sell the product she was introduced to a woman who suggested the trip to Australia to raise money.

Jimson had wanted the money to relocate to Bangladesh where her husband's family had a small farm plot.

In the Court of Appeal today Jimson appealed her eight years sentence as being manifestly excessive.

However, after a close examination by the Court of Appeal of recent cocaine importation cases the appeal was refused.

Courier-Mail

Drug courier's appeal dismissed

Posted Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:37pm AEST

A Malaysian woman jailed for trying to smuggle almost two kilograms of cocaine through Brisbane International Airport has had an appeal against her sentence dismissed.

A Supreme Court judge sentenced Ramia Binti Jimson to eight years' jail with a non-parole period of four-and-a-half years, following her arrest last year.

She arrived on a flight from Chile with more than 1.9 kilograms of cocaine in a concealed compartment in her luggage.

Its estimated value when cut to a purity of 30 per cent was about $2 million.

Jimson sought leave to appeal against her sentence, arguing it was manifestly excessive.

But the Court of Appeal dismissed the application saying the critical role of couriers in the illegal drug trade cannot be overlooked.

ABC News

 

[modoq]

Det Act Sgt Darryl Benson compares a haul with $1 coin yesterday.

Cannabis haul worth a bundle

Friday, July 10, 2009

A PAPUA New Guinea man who stood to make thousands of dollars profit from importing large amounts of cannabis to the Torres Strait will be slapped with eight extra drug charges by police investigating the alleged offence.

Philemon Travertz, 51, was arrested on Stephens Island in the Torres Strait in early June and was charged with several drug-related offences.

Attempts to charge him with an extra eight offences were hampered in the Commonwealth Court in Cairns yesterday because Mr Travertz was yet to receive legal advice.

The case was adjourned until Monday after Magistrate Joe Pinder said it was "appalling" Mr Travertz had been in custody since June 11 without having access to a lawyer.

He ordered Legal Aid be advised to visit Mr Travertz in the watchhouse today to prepare the case.

Another man, Joseph Tell Charlie, 32, was mentioned in court yesterday after police arrested him on Darnley Island in June and charged him with several offences relating to the alleged importation of 1.4kg of cannabis.

His matter was adjourned until July 23 for mention.

Far North Region Drug Squad Det Act Sgt Darryl Benson said police would not allege the two men were connected.

He said police had been investigating Mr Travertz for about 18 months and were in the process of launching an extradition attempt before he was arrested on Stephens Island.

He said Mr Travertz, who was allegedly importing up to 4kg of cannabis at a time, stood to make a lot of money in the Torres Strait, where an amount of cannabis the size of a $1 coin could cost up to $50.

"Imagine a garbage bag full of that and it is a lot of money," he said.

"So ultimately there is the possibility of hundreds of times of what they outlay, in profit."

Act Sgt Benson said the bust was "very significant" and would go a long way to slowing the drug trade in the Torres Strait and Cape York.

"These are not tiny amounts, it is not a small bag" he said.

"We are not talking about someone who may be smoking a joint here or there, we are talking about large amounts of cannabis that someone is making a large amount of money out of."

Act Sgt Benson said the bust was the latest in a line of good results achieved under the Weed It Out program.

Cairns Post

 

[kingpin007]

Man to face court over cocaine bust – Surry Hills
Saturday, 11 Jul 2009 05:43am

A man will face Parramatta Local Court today charged with supplying a commercial quantity of cocaine.

About 4:30pm yesterday (Friday 10 June) plain clothes police attached to Surry Hills Local Area Command were patrolling in the vicinity of Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, when they observed a man carrying a laptop bag and acting in a suspicious manner.

The man was observed being approached by another man, at which time an exchange of goods took place.

Police stopped the two men and inside the laptop bag 1.065 kgs of cocaine with an estimated street value of several hundred thousand dollars was located.

A vehicle being driven by the second man was also searched and a sum of cash and a small quantity of cocaine was recovered.

The two men were arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station.

A 45-year-old man from Clovelly has been charged with large commercial supply of cocaine and will appear before Parramatta Local Court today.

Police will allege that during a subsequent search of one of the man’s homes police seized a small quantity of white powder, a sum of cash and a Customs uniform jacket.

A 34-year-old Lane Cove man was charged with drug possession and was bailed to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on 3 August 2009.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjY5NTIuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

^^

1 kilo ... wow

Seems sydney is flooded with good coke but no mdma ...

 

[kingpin007]

$31.6 million cocaine haul leads to three arrests

Thursday, 09 July 2009

This is a joint media release between the AFP & Customs.

Three Mexican nationals were arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Sydney last night in connection with the importation of 144 kilograms of cocaine.

The men, aged 36, 38 and 41, will appear in Sydney Central Local Court today, where it will be alleged that they attempted to possess the cocaine.

The investigation into the importation commenced in late 2008 when a consignment originating from Mexico was identified for examination through analytical work undertaken by Customs and Border Protection Border Targeting officers in Sydney.

Officers at the Sydney Container Examination Facility examined the consignment which contained six steel die casts, weighing approximately four tonnes each.

The die casts were opened by officers and a substance that tested positive for cocaine was found.

The consignment was forensically examined by the AFP and was found to contain approximately 144 kilograms of cocaine, which is estimated to be worth $31.6 million on Australia’s streets.

AFP agents monitored the consignment, which was delivered to an address in Artarmon on 28 January 2009.

On 6 July 2009, the consignment was moved from Artarmon to an address in Castle Hill.

Three search warrants were executed in Sydney and the three men were arrested and charged by AFP agents with one count each of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to the Criminal Code Act 1995.

AFP Acting National Manager Border and International David Stewart said the seizure showed that Australian law enforcement was continuing to disrupt the ongoing attempts by international criminal groups to exploit Australia’s illicit drug market.

“This investigation shows the patience and commitment of the AFP investigators over a protracted period and this sends a clear message that the AFP is diligently pursuing major organised crime groups involved in narcotic importations,” Commander Stewart said.

Customs and Border Protection National Director Cargo, Jaclyne Fisher, said this particular detection highlights the excellent work of Customs border targeters and examination teams to stop a sophisticated attempt to beat border controls.

“Customs and Border Protection will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to detect and prevent shipments like these from reaching Australia’s streets,” she said.

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

Media enquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100

http://www.afp.gov.au/media_releases/national/2009/31_million_cocaine_haul_leads_to_three_arrests

 

[kingpin007]

Police locate second "hydro house" in Flynn

Friday, 10 July 2009

Detectives from ACT Policing's Territory Investigations Group Drug Team have located a large quantity of cannabis plants this afternoon (July 10).

About 12.40pm, police executed of a Drugs of Dependence Act search warrant on a residence in Vickers Crescent, Flynn. A search of the house revealed an elaborate hydroponic set-up in two rooms.

Police have seized approximately 40 mature cannabis plants with an estimated street value of $400,000.

AFP Forensic Services officers are en route to the address to conduct a scientific examination of the house. Inquiries are being made to locate the offender.

Investigations are continuing as to whether today's seizure is linked to the weekend discovery of a hydroponic set-up at Page.

Police are appealing for any person who may have information about suspected drug activity to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers website on www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media_releases/act/2009/police_locate_second_hydro_house_in_flynn.html

 

[kingpin007]

Police locate second "hydro house" in Flynn

Friday, 10 July 2009

Detectives from ACT Policing's Territory Investigations Group Drug Team have located a large quantity of cannabis plants this afternoon (July 10).

About 12.40pm, police executed of a Drugs of Dependence Act search warrant on a residence in Vickers Crescent, Flynn. A search of the house revealed an elaborate hydroponic set-up in two rooms.

Police have seized approximately 40 mature cannabis plants with an estimated street value of $400,000.

AFP Forensic Services officers are en route to the address to conduct a scientific examination of the house. Inquiries are being made to locate the offender.

Investigations are continuing as to whether today's seizure is linked to the weekend discovery of a hydroponic set-up at Page.

Police are appealing for any person who may have information about suspected drug activity to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers website on www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media_releases/act/2009/police_locate_second_hydro_house_in_flynn.html

 

[modoq]

Raid nets $2 million heroin haul

Posted Wed Jul 8, 2009 10:27am AEST

A police raid on a house in Melbourne's south-east last night has allegedly uncovered heroin worth more than $2 million.

Police say the Noble Park house was used to manufacture the drug, and the raid has disrupted the supply of heroin in the area.

A man and a woman have been charged and will face the Melbourne Magistrates Court today.

Two other men were released without charge.

ABC News

 

[modoq]

Woman supplied teenagers drugs, court told

Posted Thu Jul 9, 2009 2:09pm AEST
Updated Thu Jul 9, 2009 2:21pm AEST

A Canberra court has heard a woman charged with supplying cannabis to a child also supplied the drug to her 14-year-old son.

Police arrested the 37-year-old Tuggeranong woman after she was allegedly caught supplying cannabis to a 17-year-old yesterday.

The teenager told police he had purchased cannabis from the woman at least 10 times.

Police believe the woman has been supplying minors with the drug for the past year including her 14-year-old son who lives with her.

The ACT Magistrates Court heard the woman has been selling cannabis to support her heroin addiction.

The prosecution opposed bail because of fears the woman's addiction would cause her to re-offend.

Chief Magistrate Ron Cahill said the woman was at a crisis point and maybe now was the time for her to commit to rehabilitation.

The woman has been remanded in custody while she is assessed for drug rehabilitation and will reappear before the court tomorrow.

ABC News

 

[Romie1092]

Just curious, whats the stuff hanging off the roof and lights, is that dust or something else?

 

[kingpin007]

^^^

No idea .. never seen before ....

I was thinking maybe a insect or some type of worm that eats spider mites or insects that attack cannabis ...... I know lady beetles are used to control aphids etc .. it could also be some way of attracting bugs to those white strands as a way of taking care of the isects in a organic way instead of using pesticides ..

maybe someone can shed some light on this ?

 

[Doctor War]

Looks like flypaper to me.

 

[modoq]

There was a similar pic in another article, incidentally also in the ACT

Loos like string to support some of the branches.

 

[kingpin007]

^^^

yeah that photo is alot better .....

it looks like supports for the plants .. I guess the buds are really dense and become heavy so the string is used to make plants grow along that string and not fall over and die.

If they used fans from when cuttings/seedlings were young then that shouldnt really happen ..

Unless they were pumping alot of chems into the plants during flowering and plants cant handle weight of the buds ...

 

[kingpin007]

Bikie clubhouse raid: drugs, cash found

July 12, 2009 - 2:10PM

Ecstasy tablets, LSD, cocaine and thousands of dollars in cash have been found during a raid on an alleged Rebels bikie gang clubhouse in northern Sydney, police say.

The police search was part of follow-up inquiries after officers stopped a ute on Carlotta Street, Artarmon, about 8.20pm yesterday.

A search of the vehicle found a small quantity of drugs, an ice pipe and an axe beneath the driver's seat, police said.

The 33-year-old driver was charged with a number of drug offences and was due to appear in Parramatta Bail Court today.

Police said further investigations led them to search a property on the same street, allegedly used as the clubhouse for the North Sydney chapter of the Rebels bikie gang, about 2.40am this morning.

Officers allegedly seized drugs, including almost 200 ecstasy tablets, cocaine, marijuana, LSD and amphetamines and prescription drugs.

About $7800 in cash was also found and 78 people were searched, police say.

Four men were issued with court attendance notices for drug possession, while another man, aged 31, will appear in court on a date to be fixed charged with hindering a police officer in the execution of their duty.

Police say they aren't ruling out pressing more charges.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/bikie-clubhouse-raid-drugs-cash-found-20090712-dh5g.html

 

[phase_dancer]

You'd think with all the attention focused on bikers these days, that a clubhouse or the area around it would be the least safest place to store or hide drugs