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The Australian/NZ Drug Busts Mega-Thread Part Deux

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Two men arrested, just under 1kg of drugs and $60,000 cash seized — Asian Crime Squad

Thursday, 15 Oct 2009 05:14am

*** Editors’ note: Vision of the search warrant will be made available to news crews today via Network Ten. Still images will be made available via email by contacting the NSW Police Media Unit on (02) 8263 6100.***

Asian Crime Squad detectives have charged two men after just under a kilo of drugs and more than $60,000 in cash was located at Dulwich Hill overnight.

Detectives attached to the Asian Crime Squad, with assistance from Burwood Local Area Command, conducted an overnight operation following a vehicle stop by police yesterday.

About 10.35am yesterday (Wednesday 14 October), police attached to Burwood Local Area Command, conducted a vehicle stop of a white Toyota Camry on Union Street at Dulwich Hill, where they allegedly located and seized a quantity of cocaine from the vehicle.

A 23-year-old man and a 29-year-old man, both from Dulwich Hill, were arrested at the scene and taken to Bankstown Police Station for questioning.

Both men have been charged with two counts of supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drug, two counts of possess prohibited drug and one count of dealing with the proceeds of crime.

They have been refused bail and are expected to appear at Bankstown Local Court today.

Meanwhile, about 6pm yesterday, Asian Crime Squad detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Hill Street at Dulwich Hill.

During the warrant police allegedly located and seized in excess of $60,000 cash as well as an amount of white powder believed to be heroin and equipment used in the processing of the drugs.

NSW Police
 
Three to face court on drug charges following search warrant – Redfern

Thursday, 15 Oct 2009 10:44am

One man is to face court this morning, and a man and woman are to face court next month on drug charges, after police conducted a search warrant on a home in Redfern yesterday afternoon.

About 4.45pm, following lengthy investigations, police from the Central Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad, Redfern conducted a search warrant upon a home on William Street, Redfern.

During the search warrant police allegedly located and seized an amount of illicit and prescription drugs including ecstasy, ice, GHB, cocaine and Xanax, as well as seizing over $9,000 cash.

The occupant, a 33-year-old man was arrested and taken to Redfern Police Station where he was subsequently charged with two counts each of supply prohibited drug, and supply restricted substance, and five counts each of possess restricted substance, and deal in proceeds of crime.

He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.

During investigations throughout the day, police arrested a man and a woman in separate incidents near the home. Both were allegedly in possession of drugs, which were seized by police.

A 28-year-old Surry Hills woman and a 21-year-old Toronto man were arrested by police. They were both charged with drug possession and are due to face court next month.

Investigations are continuing and police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

NSW Police
 
Drug charges, Hopevale

Last updated 15/10/2009

A 41-year-old Cooktown man has been charged following the discovery of an alleged drug crop at Hopevale today.

Around 2.55pm police allegedly located a number of plants at Melsonby Station, via Hopevale.

The 41-year-old man has been charged with one count each of possessing a dangerous drug and producing a dangerous drug.

He is due to appear in the Cooktown Magistrates Court on November 3.

QLD Police
 
Drug Seizure and Arrest– Alyangula

Thursday 15-Oct-2009 (1005 hrs CST)

Police arrested a 49-year-old man and an 18 year-old-woman in Alyangula yesterday afternoon after they were found in possession of 271 grams of cannabis.

Police, acting on information received from members of the community, pulled over and searched the white Toyota Land cruiser as it was travelling out bound on the Rowell highway.

Sergeant Shane Arnison said it was good to see members of the community assisting Police to stop drug trafficking into the community.

“Acting on information received, police were able to stop these drugs being sold within the Community. These drugs if sold at street level within Groote Eylandt are worth around $27,100.” he said.

Both the man and the woman were charged with:

Possessing cannabis trafficable quantity
Unlawfully supply cannabis to another.

They have been bailed to appear in Alyangula court on the 20th of October.

NTFPES
 
Parkes drug blitz a 'success'

Posted Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:23am AEDT

A two-day crackdown on drug dealing in the Parkes region has been hailed a success by police who received dozens of tip-offs from the public.

Operation Greentree was held last week to allow residents to make anonymous reports to the Lachlan local area command.

Police say most of the information related to the use of cannabis and amphetamines in the Parkes and Forbes regions.

The crime manager, Detective Inspector Paul Jones, says officers also received details of drug dealing in Orange, Mudgee and Bathurst.

"We have to do that assessment process but ... certainly there's criteria that lends weight to credibility," he said.

"That assessment will involve what we already know about that particular person, their criminal history, the anecdotal evidence that is ... around and when three or four people are ringing up giving the same information about the same people, well, the credibility's got to go up somewhat."

Detective Inspector Jones says he has passed on information to his counterparts in the Chifley, Canobolas and Mudgee commands.

He says the operation has provided information on specific drug dealers.

"Over a two day [period] we consider that a success. What it will allow us to do is analyse that information," he said.

"A couple of people have come up in various intel reports, so that will allow us to set strategies and targets for a targeted investigation to ... restrict and detect those people who are dealing drugs."

ABC News
 
Public tip-offs lead to 8 drug arrests

Posted Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:35am AEDT

Bendigo police say public information was crucial to raids that led to several drug arrests yesterday.

Police believe they have cut a major drug supply network after searching 10 properties around Bendigo on Wednesday night.

Six men and two women have been charged, and two of the eight have been bailed.

Acting Inspector Bob Simpson says the arrests were partly based on information given by people in Bendigo.

"We always welcome information from the public and the last operation was a good example of that," he said.

"Without public support - which we got a lot of - it makes it hard to do the job but in this case it turned out to be very proactive."

ABC News
 
16_cannabis_400x300.jpg


Casino tipped off cops over 'drug ring'

14:23 AEST Fri Oct 16 2009

A Star City casino employee and two Vietnamese students are among four men arrested in NSW over a multimillion dollar cannabis syndicate, police say.

Police arrested a 37 year-old casino employee at the casino in Pyrmont, a 27 year-old man at a unit in Hornsby in Sydney's north, and two Vietnamese students, one aged 20, at two separate hydroponic houses on the Central Coast at 8am (AEDT) on Friday.

Officers seized more than 300 cannabis plants during raids on properties on the Pacific Highway at Wyoming and Nijorie Close in Kincumber.

Police allege 180 kilograms of cannabis, with an estimated street value of $1.8 million, was harvested at the properties over the past five months.

Firearms and Organised Crime Squad Commander Arthur Katsogiannis said the four raids on Friday had come after a tip-off from the Star City Casino and a four-month police investigation involving the State Crime Command's Casino Investigations Unit.

"We've been able to dismantle a multimillion dollar drug syndicate located both in Sydney and on the Central Coast," Supt Katsogiannis told reporters.

He said the casino had offered a "positive role, assistance and co-operation".

"I can confirm that there is no evidence which indicates that any illegal activity took place in the casino in Pyrmont."

He also ruled out any links to bikie gangs.

The Vietnamese students had been staying at the two hydroponic houses on the Central Coast and police would be investigating further, Supt Katsogiannis said.

"Both these homes are very sophisticated, very well professionally developed and concealed."

The Casino Investigation Unit, comprising 14 officers, had been operating for about five years after being established to assist Star City with any criminal or illegal activities, he said.

Police believe they have arrested all the people involved in the alleged syndicate but Supt Katsogiannis said he would not rule out further arrests.

The four men are expected to be charged later on Friday.

Their arrests follow the arrest of a 23 year-old man on Monday after police seized 30 pounds of cannabis from a car in Strathfield in Sydney's west.

The man has been charged with possess and supply of a prohibited and illegal drug.

He has been refused bail to appear at Campsie Local Court on October 13.

NineMSN.com.au
 
Two charged over drug found in shampoo

October 16, 2009 07:15pm

TWO people have been charged after several shampoo bottles stuffed with heroin were found at Melbourne Airport.

Customs officers took a second look at a shampoo bottle when it passed through an X-ray machine on October 13.

The 45-year-old American woman believed to have been travelling to Melbourne from Nepal with the bottle was stopped for questioning.

A search of her bags found two more bottles.

Police say all were then drug tested and came back with a positive result for roughly 1kg of heroin.

Two days later police arrested a man from Sierra Leone when he allegedly tried to take possession of the shampoo bottles.

The man was charged with attempting to possess a marketable amount of drugs. The woman was charged with importing and possessing a marketable amount of drugs.

Both made their first court appearance in Melbourne Magistrates Court today.

If convicted, they face up to 25 years in jail and a $550,000 fine.

News.com.au
 
Man fined for drugs, assault

14/10/2009 9:47:00 AM

A KERANG man has been fined almost $3000 after pleading guilty in Bendigo Magistrates Court to drug and assault charges.

Steven Longstaff, 48, pleaded guilty yesterday to possessing, using and cultivating almost 350 grams of cannabis and 28 grams of cannabis seeds.

He also pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful assault causing injury.

Prosecutor Senior Constable Len Ladner said police searched Longstaff’s property in July 2008 and found the cannabis stored in small sealed plastic bags, large plastic bags, large paper bags and small bowls.

He said the cannabis seeds were stored in clearly marked containers.

Defence Lawyer Annette Wood said Longstaff suffered from a heart condition and found using cannabis worked well for him.

“He is aware of the consequences of using cannabis, however, he feels it is an advantage medically,” she said.

Longstaff again came to the attention of police in March this year after he was accused of attacking a friend.

Senior Constable Ladner said Longstaff became violent after his friend’s dog started jumping on him.

Ms Wood said the outburst was a result of many years of cannabis abuse, and Longstaff had suffered a flashback to when his cat was killed by dogs.

She said Longstaff had admitted to smoking cannabis at the time of the assault, which could have led to his paranoia.

She also said he was aware of the consequences and was extremely remorseful for his actions.

Magistrate Bruce Cottrill said the assault was disturbing because the victim had invited Longstaff into his home.

He acknowledged the assault was probably a side effect of long-term cannabis use, but it was no excuse.

He convicted and fined Longstaff $2816.

Bendigo Advertiser
 
Drug and alcohol seizure - Oenpelli

Saturday 17-Oct-2009 (1514 hrs CST)

Between the hours of 2:00 am and 4:00 am this morning police made a number of arrests in relation to drugs and alcohol located in vehicles in and around the Oenpelli and Jabiru area.

Oenpelli members conducted breath tests and vehicle searches on a number of cars travelling along Oenpelli Road at Cahills Crossing and in total, located:

23 bottles of spirits
46 cans of beer
10 litres of cask wine
10 bags of cannabis (14 grams)

As a result three males aged 30, 36 and 44 were arrested for offences including drive under the influence of intoxicating liquor and bring liquor into a prescribed area.

Four people also received Summary Infringement Notices and three vehicles were seized.

Territory Duty Superintendent John Emeny said that these offenders will think twice before attempting this sort of behaviour again.

“Oenpelli members worked very hard to put these offenders behind bars and to get this alcohol off the streets.

“Transporting liquor into a prescribed area is something that we will not tolerate and we will continue to target these offenders” he said.

NTFPES
 
Drug arrests Hamilton

Last updated 18/10/2009

A 28-year-old woman will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow charged with a number of drug related offences.

Police received information around 9.30 this morning about possible suspicious activities of the occupants of a motel room on Nudgee Road, Hamilton.

Police attended and detained a woman.

A search of a vehicle allegedly revealed a quantity of glassware and laboratory equipment.

The room was also searched and police located a quantity of pharmaceutical equipment.

The room was closed and evacuated until the Illicit Laboratory Investigation Team completed their investigations.

The woman will face one charge each of possession of a dangerous drug, production of a dangerous drug, possession of a thing and possession of anything used in the commission of a crime.

Investigating officers are still trying to locate a man who was also an occupant of the motel and is believed to have left shortly before police arrived.

QLD Police
 
Police seize 230 cannabis plants during raid – Dundurrabin

Sunday, 18 Oct 2009 05:31am

Police on the state’s north coast have seized more than 200 cannabis plants during a raid on a house near Bellingen.

About 7.30pm Friday 16 October police from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command executed a search warrant on the unattended residence in Mount Street, Dundurrabin.

Officers allegedly located and seized 230 cannabis plants growing in the backyard.

The drugs have an estimated potential street value of $230,000.

No arrests have been made in relation to the discovery and local detectives are now seeking public assistance as they continue their inquiries.

Anyone with information about the possible cultivation, manufacture or supply of prohibited drugs is urged to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.

NSW Police
 
Mine drug dealer loses jail appeal

October 20, 2009 - 1:55PM

A man who supplied drugs to central Queensland miners has lost an appeal against his sentence.

Glen Nicholas Challacombe was jailed for five years in the Queensland Supreme Court in Rockhampton in May after pleading guilty to one count each of trafficking and possessing drugs.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing money obtained from trafficking ecstasy and speed.

Challacombe was ordered to serve 18 months behind bars before becoming eligible for parole.

Earlier this month, the 23-year-old father took his case to the Court of Appeal in Brisbane, where his lawyers argued the sentence was "manifestly excessive".

His lawyers argued sentencing judge Justice Duncan McMeekin had placed too much emphasis on the need for personal deterrence and had not given enough weight to the comparatively low level of offending.

In a written judgment handed down today, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, ruling the sentence was appropriate for the crime, and as a general deterrent to others considering drug trafficking.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/mine-drug-dealer-loses-jail-appeal-20091020-h69v.html
 
Large cannabis plantation found – Bulli Tops

Tuesday, 20 Oct 2009 04:58pm

Police are investigating the illegal cultivation of cannabis after a large scale crop was located at Bulli Tops this morning.

About 10am, police from the Wollongong Drug Unit attended an area of land off Appin Road at Bulli Tops.

It will be alleged the officers found an extensive cannabis crop the size of a football field in the bush area.

During a search of the area, police found a total of 969 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of nearly $970,000.

The plants have been seized and police are conducting investigations to identify those responsible for the cannabis crop. No arrests have been made.

Police are also urging members of the public to remain vigilant in reporting drug crime in their neighbourhood.

Any suspicious behaviour or activity should be reported to your local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjg0MDMuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==
 
Judge applies brakes to speed dealing mechanic

AMELIA BENTLEY

October 20, 2009 - 3:06PM

A Rockhampton diesel fitter moonlighting as an ecstasy dealer was busted when police saw drug deal text messages on his phone when he was pulled over for a traffic matter, a court has heard.

Glen Nicholas Challacombe, 23, was jailed in May this year for five years to be released on parole after serving 18 months behind bars after he pleaded guilty to trafficking and possessing ecstasy and possessing money obtained in drug trafficking.

Rockhampton District Court heard Challacombe supplied drugs to apprentice tradesman, a five-month-long operation which involve 1000 ecstasy tablets and two bags of the party drug speed, for a turnover of between $24,000 and $30,000.

His profit, the court was told, was about $4000.

Challacombe's operation was discovered when police pulled him over driving in Rockhampton in February 2008 and saw text messages on his phone relating to drug dealing.

Officers then searched his home and found drugs.

Challacombe, father of a young child, appealed his sentence, arguing it was manifestly excessive.

However in a judgement published today the Court of Appeal dismissed his application, ruling the sentence was within the sentencing range for such offences.

Challacombe will be eligible for parole in November 2010.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/que...-to-speed-dealing-mechanic-20091020-h6ae.html
 
Court hears of $550,000 ecstasy syndicate claims

20/10/2009 9:19:00 AM

A BENDIGO man police say was involved in a local drug syndicate which had allegedly planned to distribute more than half a million dollars of ecstasy pills has been refused bail.

Clint Sendall, 33, of Bannister Street, North Bendigo, was one of nine people arrested last week as a result of drugs raids in and around Bendigo, and the first to appear in the Bendigo Magistrates Court.

Sendall, who runs an automotive business, is charged with conspiracy to traffick a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence and other drug related offences.

A Bendigo Divisional Response Unit spokesman said Sendall’s involvement in the investigation came to light last month when police intercepted a number of phone conversations.

The spokesman told the court yesterday that on September 11, Sendall accompanied a co-accused to Melbourne where they picked up eight ounces of amphetamines from an unknown supplier.

“We believed on this occasion . . . one ounce was to be given to Sendall,” he said.

He said police believed that on September 24, Sendall was involved in sourcing 22,000 ecstasy tablets, which if sold at the standard price on the street of $20 to $25 a tablet, would amount to about $550,000.

Sendall’s lawyer Robert Timms said there was no hard evidence linking Sendall to the charges.

“The case against my client is based on circumstance and interpretation,” Mr Timms said.

“(During the phone conversations) there were no mention of tablets, not even any mention of ecstasy or amphetamines . . . they could have been talking about 22,000 strawberries.”

Mr Timms argued that Sendall should be released on bail due to exceptional circumstances.

He said Sendall was unlikely to flee because he had ties to Bendigo including his six-year-old daughter, who was in Sendall’s care before he was arrested last week.

Magistrate Bruce Cottrill disagreed.

“Exceptional circumstances must be exceptional and these matters are not exceptional,” he said.

Mr Cottrill said although the evidence may be circumstantial, it showed a pattern of behaviour that clearly linked Sendall to drugs in the community.

Sendall was remanded in custody to face court again on January 20 for a committal mention hearing.

http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au...-550000-ecstasy-syndicate-claims/1653622.aspx
 
'Reformed' drug taker escapes time

Averyll Loft | 20th October 2009



A 27-YEAR-OLD man who went from popping six to eight ecstasy tablets in one hit to giving up drugs, alcohol, smoking and even eating meat has escaped jail time after pleading guilty to two charges in the Maryborough Supreme Court.

Hervey Bay's Kevin Crooks was caught trying to flush 203 ecstasy tablets down the toilet when police carried out a search warrant on his Toogoom home on May 16 last year.

The labourer, who was using ecstasy heavily at the time and had two drug convictions on his criminal record, was also found with a small amount of speed.

Due to the large amount of ecstasy, police had strong suspicions Crooks was selling the tablets. They were, however, unable to find any evidence.

“That amount is the source for the greatest suspicions,” said Justice Peter Applegarth.

The court heard being caught with drugs was the “best thing that ever happened” to Crooks.

He “realised it was time to start being a man” and after years of substance abuse ditched drugs, alcohol, smoking and even became a vegetarian.

He became heavily involved with his church and married the mother of his children.

“You have in every respect turned you life around,” Justice Applegarth told Crooks.

“Ecstasy is an extraordinarily dangerous drug ... it causes a lot of grief in society.

“I've sentenced you on the basis it was for personal use.

“You can be sure if you decided to resume the use of drugs there will be serious consequences.”

Crooks was sentenced to 18 months for possession of ecstasy and possession of speed. He was given immediate parole.

http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/story/2009/10/20/man-escapes-jail-time/
 
Firearms & Organised Crime Squad detectives arrest seven men & dismantle major cocaine and ecstasy syndicate

Thursday, 22 Oct 2009 02:32pm

*** Editors’ note: Vision of today’s arrests and search warrants will be made available to news crews later today via Network Ten. Still images will be available via email by contacting the NSW Police Media Unit on (02) 8263 6100. ***

Firearms and Organised Crime Squad detectives have today conducted a major operation culminating in the arrest of seven men and the dismantling of a major cocaine and ecstasy syndicate in the Cronulla and Sutherland area.

Strike Force Brotherglen was established in March this year to investigate the large scale supply of cocaine and manufacture and sale of ecstasy in and around the Cronulla and Sutherland area.

Following a six month investigation, detectives today launched the arrest phase of the operation culminating in the arrest of seven men and the execution of 8 search warrants.

About 11.00am today Police conducted a controlled drug purchase in the car park near Lilli Pilli Oval on Turriel Bay Road resulting in the arrest of three men including a 21-year-old Gymea man as well as a 51-year-old Loftus man and a 21-year-old Cronulla man arrested nearby.

A further four men were arrested in the surrounding area including a 20-year-old Miranda man, a 19-year-old Miranda man, a 23-year-old Miranda man, and a 55-year-old Bundeena man.

Search warrants are currently being executed at the following locations:
· Port Hacking Road at Miranda
· Burrinjuck Place at Miranda
· Urunga Parade at Miranda.
· Scarborough Street at Bundeena
· Spur Crescent at Loftus
· Bessemer Street at Blacktown
· Cherana Place at Kareela
· Gymea Bay Road at Gymea.

Police have so far located a pill press at the Blacktown premises, along with a quantity of cocaine, ecstasy and MDMA tablets. The searches are ongoing.

Police investigations are continuing, charges are expected to be laid, and further arrests are anticipated.

To date police have conducted numerous controlled purchase operations which have resulted in the total seizure of 10,300 ecstasy pills at an estimated potential street value of $618,000, as well as a quantity of cocaine.

Firearms and Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis said, “This has been a lengthy and thorough investigation targeting a high-level drug supply network.

“Today’s results are the culmination of a six month intensive investigation conducted by detectives attached to Strike Force Brotherglen.

“Police have today successfully seized a pill press which has the capability of producing about 4,000 pills per hour.

“Today’s pro-active operation has resulted in the arrest of seven people and has stopped a major drug supply syndicate; ensuring that dangerous illicit drugs are prevented from reaching our streets,” Det/Supt Arthur Katsogiannis said.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjg0MzkuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==
 
Man charged over alleged cocaine supply offences – Drug Squad

Thursday, 22 Oct 2009 09:54am

Drug Squad detectives arrested a man who will face court today in relation to the alleged supply of cocaine.

Just after 3pm yesterday, detectives met with a 27-year-old man where they conducted a controlled drug purchase at a house on Victoria Avenue at Concord West.

Police seized 1 kilogram of cocaine during the operation, at an estimated potential street value of more than $1,000,000.

A 27-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Campsie Police Station where he was subsequently charged with six counts of supply prohibited drug.

He’s been refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today.

The arrest follows a number of operations conducted by police between 16 September and 12 October this year, where various amounts of drugs were supplied including a total of 312g of cocaine, five MDA tablets, and other drugs.

Strike Force Herrick comprises detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug Squad and was established in September this year to investigate the alleged supply of prohibited drugs.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjg0MzQuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==
 
Drug bust setback for import bikie gang

STAFF WRITERS

October 22nd, 2009

POLICE have made a major bust on an interstate bikie gang they say are trying to move into the Territory.

Officers raided a house in Moil yesterday where they seized drugs including speed, ecstasy and cannabis.

The also seized four new motorcycles, six generators, power tools and about $5000 cash.

A 50-year-old man has been charged with supplying and possessing drugs.

He has been bailed to appear in Darwin Magistrates Court on November 18.

Police had predicted rival bikie gangs would try to gain a foothold in Darwin after key members of the Hells Angels were jailed.

Commander Colleen Gwynne said the bust had caused a major disruption to an organised crime syndicate.

"Police will allege that this operation was part of a national drugs and money laundering operation with strong links to interstate outlaw motorcycle gangs," she said.

"Northern Territory Police will continue to target, apprehend and seize the assets of those involved in organised crime."

The raid was made on the same day new laws were introduced in the NT Parliament banning criminal syndicates and illegal bikie gangs.

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/10/22/94851_ntnews.html
 
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