News Mega Merged Drug Bust Thread v. "Drug Wars" a Bust

[Jabberwocky]

Chemical investigators examine possible hidden drug laboratory

Police are looking at whether a southeastern Sydney factory was being used as a clandestine drug lab, before a blaze broke out at the property overnight.

Officers from State Crime Command Chemical Operations Unit are assisting detectives from the Botany Bay Local Area Command, as they continue to process the scene on Underwood Avenue, Botany.

Police said the owner of the premises is co-operating with the investigation.

Hazmat crews from Alexandria were called to the building on Byrnes Street Botany around 7:30pm, along with NSW Fire and Rescue units from Botany, Mascot, Arncliffe, Matraville and Kogarah.

An exclusion zone was set up around the factory unit, and Fire Superintendent Ian Krimmer said it took crews an hour to extinguish the flames.

“The fire was contained to the second level of the building, which was unoccupied at the time,” he said. “There were no reports of any injuries.”

Botany Bay LAC Crime Manager Detective Chief Inspector Paul Thornton said they’re continuing to process the factory.

“We’re gathering evidence of what kind of substances are inside that could be linked to drug manufacture,” he said.

“Needless to say it may be a day or two before the whole factory is processed, and which time we’ll have an idea of what’s contained in there.

“We’ll then get expert advice as to whether anything can be linked to drug manufacture, and detectives will investigate who might be responsible.”

Police are appealing for anyone who might have information on the fire to contact them.


Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...e/news-story/a8a7f042003e82b990824a49b46a8b93

 

[Felonious Monk]

1 gram of ice (higher grade meth) costs about $700 here. You can see why everyone is dealing the stuff.

I can definitely see why everyone is dealing it. I cannot see why everyone is using it.

Or rather, not just doing small scale production for themselves. At those prices it seems worth it to be your own personal chef.

 

[poledriver]

Raids in Perth net $1.7 million worth of drugs, 152 people charged

Police have charged 152 people, including 42 alleged drug dealers, after raiding 80 houses in Perth's south-east.

The operation uncovered drugs worth more than $1.7 million in street value, as well as seven kilograms of cannabis and 58 ecstasy pills.

More than $260,000 in cash was seized, as well as stolen items such as cars and motorcycles, and weapons including 14 firearms, two homemade sub machine guns and ammunition.

Police said 447 charges have been laid.

South Metropolitan Region Commander Pryce Scanlan has thanked the members of the community for their tip-offs.

"Much of the information has been acted upon," he said.

"Some of the time they think their information is going nowhere — what I would say to them, with these suburban drug dealers — sometimes it's difficult to get sufficient evidence for us to be able charge them with drug dealing," he said.

Commander Scanlan said it was very concerning a number of children were at the homes police searched.

"As a father, I want to see this particular drug, the meth drug removed form our streets, I don't want any children to have access to this drug," he said.

"We're seeing the impact on the community in respect of our family violence, in respect of impaired driving, in respect of our volume crime offending.

"We're doing as much as we possibly can to remove it form our streets."

Police said they would also target other metropolitan districts as well as regional areas.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-21/drug-raids-carried-out-south-east-perth/7347026

 

[poledriver]

Media Release: Brazilians charged with importing 6kg of cocaine

A 30-year-old Brazilian man and a 24-year-old Brazilian woman are scheduled to appear in Sydney Central Local Court today (22 April 2016) charged with importing approximately six kilograms of cocaine in their suitcases.

On 21 April 2016, the man and woman were selected for a baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers upon their arrival at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Chile.

During the examination, the ABF officer’s located approximately three kilograms of cocaine concealed in the lining of each of the passenger’s suitcase and referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The man and woman were charged with one count each of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/news/afp/2016/april/brazilians-charged-with-importing-6kg-cocaine

 

[poledriver]

Colorado sheriff: Alabama man was driving pounds of pot back home

Elbert County authorities say a 24-year-old Alabama man was pulled over last week and found to have pounds of marijuana in his trunk that he was planning to drive back home.

Matthew Williams, of Killen, Ala., was stopped April 12 for speeding in an unincorporated part of the county when he admitted to having a small amount of marijuana concentrate, the county sheriff's office said.

A sheriff's office K-9 drug dog responded to the stop and alerted investigators that there was more pot in the vehicle's trunk, authorities say.

Deputies searched Williams' trunk, according to investigators, and found more than 14 pounds of marijuana and marijuana concentrate.

"Williams admitted that he was on his way back to Alabama," the sheriff's office said in a news release.

He was arrested on suspicion of marijuana possession with intent to distribute.

Local and federal authorities in Colorado say they are seeing an uptick in marijuana leaving the state, especially pot that's grown in homes inhabited by people from out of state.

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_29796075/colorado-sheriff-alabama-man-was-driving-pounds-pot

 

[poledriver]

Media Release: Four charged on drug importation and proceeds of crime offences

Four Chinese nationals appeared before Melbourne Magistrate’s Court today (Thursday 21 April 2016) charged with attempting to import about 12kg of methamphetamine.

Three men - aged 20, 22 and 25 - as well as a 22-year-old woman were arrested and charged as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) in Victoria, which consists of the Australian Border Force (ABF), the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and the Australian Crime Commission (ACC).

The operation began earlier this month when ABF officers examined an international mail article from China containing packages of noodles.

The ABF’s initial testing of the package returned a positive result for methamphetamine.

JOCTF investigators took possession of the seized consignment and conducted an investigation.

Investigators executed a search warrant yesterday (Wednesday 20 April 2016) at an apartment in central Melbourne, where five Chinese nationals were arrested.

Four individuals were charged with importing and attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

They were also charged with proceeds of crime offences relating to alleged money laundering activity.

The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.

The four accused were all remanded in custody. A 22-year-old male was arrested but later released without charge.

The JOCTF works together to target organised crime in Victoria.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...g-importation-and-proceeds-of-crimes-offences

 

[poledriver]

Media Release: Man charged with importing cocaine internally

A 52-year-old Finnish man is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today charged with attempting to import approximately 224 grams of cocaine inside his body.

On Monday (18 April), the man was targeted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers upon his arrival at Brisbane International Airport.

After questioning the man and examining his bags, the ABF officers determined that he was not a genuine tourist and cancelled his visa.

The man was suspected of concealing drugs internally and the matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

He later passed 26 pellets containing cocaine.

The man was charged with one count of importing a marketable quantity of border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.2 (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...man-charged-with-importing-cocaine-internally

 

[neversickanymore]

MN Woman Busted At Airport With 38 Lbs. Of Drugs

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A woman from southwestern Minnesota was arrested at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport with 38 pounds of drugs.

According to authorities, 49-year-old Khoua Vang, of Walnut Grove, was taken into custody on Sunday. She was arrested after police found her with about three-quarters of a pound of methamphetamine and 37 and a half pounds of opium.

The drugs have an estimated street value of more than $500,000.

continued http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2016/04/25/ohare-airport-drug-arrest/

 

[poledriver]

Weekend police operation leads to drug supply charges

A WEEKEND police operation at licensed venues around Coffs Harbour has resulted in a number of drug charges.

Coffs-Clarence Police carried out Operation Break assisted by the Dog Squad on Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23.

Two cannabis cautions were issued and five people were charged with possession of prohibited drugs, including two people charged with supplying prohibited drugs.

"These arrests show how dangerous cannabis continues to be in our community, with two men being arrested in possession of other serious drugs including ice, as well as cannabis," Coffs-Clarence LAC crime manager, Detective Inspector Darren Jameson said.

"Cannabis continues its march of destruction within the community as being a serious drug of concern, infecting young people with drug addiction, and leading onto other serious drugs.

"We maintain our focus on cannabis; it is the root of all evil for drug addiction within our community."

Police attached to Operation Break were alerted to a vehicle driving in a negligent manner on Toormina Rd, Toormina, at about 9.25pm on Friday.

The vehicle's occupants ran into nearby bushland before being located by the Dog Squad.

A 31-year-old North Boambee Valley man was searched and allegedly found in possession of a trafficable quantity of crystal methylamphetmane, or ice, with a potential street value of $5300.

He was also allegedly carrying an ice pipe and cannabis.

Subsequent police checks revealed the man had an outstanding arrest warrant.

He was charged with supplying a prohibited drug, two counts of possession of prohibited drugs and with the arrest warrant.

The man was bail refused to Coffs Harbour Local Court the following day, and will reappear on May 24.

A 19-year-old North Boambee Valley man was arrested on unrelated charges at 11.30pm that night.

The man was arrested at a Coffs Harbour hotel and was allegedly in possession of 28 capsules and 11 tablets of MDMA, or ecstasy, with a potential street value of $1950, as well as $380 in cash.

He was charged with supplying a prohibited drug, possessing a prohibited drug and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

The man has been bailed to appear in Coffs Harbour Local Court on May 16.

Minutes later, a 22-year-old Sandy Beach man was arrested at a Coffs Harbour hotel, allegedly in possession of cannabis and cocaine.

He received a court attendance notice to appear in Coffs Harbour Local Court on May 16.

http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.a...-operation-leads-to-drug-supply-char/3010517/

 

[poledriver]

"These arrests show how dangerous cannabis continues to be in our community, with two men being arrested in possession of other serious drugs including ice, as well as cannabis," Coffs-Clarence LAC crime manager, Detective Inspector Darren Jameson said.

"Cannabis continues its march of destruction within the community as being a serious drug of concern, infecting young people with drug addiction, and leading onto other serious drugs.

"We maintain our focus on cannabis; it is the root of all evil for drug addiction within our community."

- sure, buddy.

 

[neversickanymore]

Fundraiser for John McCain Arrested in Drug Bust in Phoenix
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOENIX — Apr 27, 2016

A Phoenix woman has been dropped as a political fundraiser for U.S. Sen. John McCain's re-election campaign after being arrested on suspicion of drug possession and other charges.

Emily Pitha and her live-in boyfriend were taken into custody Tuesday after deputies served a search warrant at her north-central Phoenix home, Maricopa County Sheriff's officials said.

Christopher Hustrulid allegedly signed for a package containing more than 250 grams of Ecstasy.

Undercover detectives and U.S. Postal Inspectors raided the home after the delivery, according to sheriff's officials.

Besides finding an active meth lab, detectives also reported discovering about a quarter-pound of methamphetamine, 10 hits of LSD, about 2 grams of cocaine, several grams of heroin, several hundred Ecstasy pills, marijuana and hash oil plus about $7,000 and counterfeit cash.

Neither Pitha, 34, nor Hustrulid, 36, had a lawyer at their initial court appearance Wednesday.

Each was being held on $20,000 cash-only bonds on suspicion of manufacturing of narcotic drugs, possession of dangerous and narcotic drugs, marijuana possession and other drug charges along with various drug-possession charges and child endangerment.

Two children — ages 5 and 9 — live with the couple, but they were at daycare at the time of the bust, authorities said.

McCain's campaign manager Ryan O'Daniel said in a statement Wednesday that the campaign had "terminated any relationship" with Pitha.

Pitha was working as a consultant arranging fundraisers for McCain.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/fundraiser-john-mccain-arrested-drug-bust-phoenix-38716026

 

[poledriver]

 

[neversickanymore]

Award-winning French policeman on trial for 'paying informants with seized drugs'
Michel Neyret, who was given the Légion d’Honneur for his 'exceptional' service to the state, is accused of accepting watches and staying in luxury hotels in exchange for information
John Lichfield Paris
May 2nd 2106

One of France’s most successful and decorated police detectives has gone on trial for allegedly sharing in the ill-gotten gains of the criminals who he was supposed to catch.

The long-awaited trial of Michel Neyret is expected to lift the veil on a long-standing but forbidden French police practice of “paying off” informers with parts of intercepted drugs shipments.

The 60-year-old, who has a style more akin to a TV or film detective, denies all charges. He admits making “mistakes” in getting too close to organised criminals but says that his sole ambition was to enforce the law.

In the course of a three week long trial in Paris, the prosecution will allege that ex-Commissioner Neyret accepted stays in luxury hotels in Morocco, Cannes and the Lyon area, expensive watches and €40,000 (£31,000) worth of clothes.

He also, it will be alleged, opened a joint off-shore bank account with two convicted criminals to receive millions of euros obtained by defrauding the European system of “carbon pollution” taxes.

At the time of his arrest in 2011, Mr Neyret was deputy head of detectives in Lyon and reputed to be the best-informed policeman in France on the activities of drug traffickers and other organised criminals. In 2004, he was awarded the Légion d’Honneur by Nicolas Sarkozy, then interior minister, for his “exceptional” service to the French state.

Mr Neyret is charged with “corruption, associating with criminals, violating professional secrecy, receipt of stolen goods, drug-trafficking and money-laundering”. His wife Nicole, 67, three other former police officers, a former lawyer and an alleged criminal are also appearing in court on related charges. A second alleged criminal is on the run.

The former detective’s lawyer Gabriel Versini-Bullara, said: “Michel Neyret was determined to go to the limit in gathering intelligence, to the point of teaming up with certain wrong-doers. His objective was to allow the police to make spectacular arrests of a kind that otherwise don’t fall from the sky.”

Mr Neyret is alleged, amongst other things, to have raided police stores of seized drugs to pay-off informants. He is also alleged to have allowed favoured criminals to keep part of intercepted drugs shipments in return for information on their associates.

The court will be told that this was a long-standing means used by police in France to pay off their “tontons” (literally “uncles” or snouts). The practice was officially banned in 2004 but the court is expected to hear evidence that it is still commonly used.

The prosecution will allege, however, that Mr Neyret’s relationship with one convicted criminal, Gilles Benichou, went much further. According to the prosecution case, the detective accepted gifts and money from Mr Benichou in return for tip-offs on police activity and intervening to suppress minor prosecutions.

In a bugged phone conversation, whose transcript was leaked to Le Monde, Mr Neyret’s, wife Nicole, was allegedly heard complaining to Mr Benichou that he had turned her husband “rotten”.

“Ever since you started giving him money, he’s not the same man,” Nicole Neyret was allegedly recorded as saying. “He’s blowing it all on champagne, on nights out. Please don’t give him money, or he will go to the casinos and hand it to floozies. You’ve turned Michel rotten. Now he’s a bigger crook than any of you.

cont http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...-accepting-gifts-from-criminals-a7010211.html

 

[Jabberwocky]

Thirty-nine drug arrests made at Melbourne electronic music festival

Police have arrested 39 people as part of a crackdown on drugs using sniffer dogs at an electronic music festival in Melbourne last night.

Thirty-four of those arrested at the Godskitchen festival were referred to a drug diversion program, four men were charged with possessing a drug of dependence, and one other man was charged with possession and warrant offences.

Police also seized drugs including ecstasy and amphetamines.

The Godskitchen festival franchise began as an electronic party in England, and hosts various events worldwide.

Last night, it was held at the Hisense Arena in Melbourne Park.


Read more at http://www.9news.com.au/national/20...electronic-music-festival#FwKGldCKPudETkpj.99

 

[Jabberwocky]

Melb DJ Could Remain In Jail For Two Years Following Nightclub Drug Busts

A Melbourne DJ and nightclub owner charged with drug trafficking could remain in jail for up to two years while waiting for a trial following police raids on two separate venues in the CBD.

According to the Herald Sun, Jason Kolbeck, co-owner of the Two Floors Up nightclub, was denied bail yesterday in court by Magistrate John Hardy who said the DJ was at risk of reoffending due to the "super serious" charges.

Kolbeck was last month charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs after detectives found "what is believed to be several thousand ecstasy pills as well as quantities of other drugs believed to be methamphetamine".

He is reportedly one of 11 people charged after the raids and police claim that Kolbeck hired a hotel room as a storage space for cash and drugs after one of the other accused was arrested.

Kolbeck hoped to continue working at the nightclub if released on bail, however prosecutors argued against this, insisting that the venue is "at the heart" of where the crimes took place.

Meanwhile, a court has heard that the other Melbourne venue which was raided last month, The Railway Hotel in Brunswick, was so prolific for drug trafficking that buyers had to line-up and wait to purchase illegal substances.

Police allege that managers Chris Lytras and Paul Polito sold large amounts of ice and cocaine from their upstairs office, where an undercover operative had to line up outside of the office with other drug buyers.

Undercover officers in Operation Thunderstruck reportedly spent more than $67,000 on buying drugs from the venue since December last year.

Polito was yesterday bailed on a $150,000 surety and on the condition he would seek treatment for a cocaine addiction, while Lytras remains in jail.

Both Polito and Kolbeck are expected to appear in court again this July.

Earlier today organisers of the Two Floors Up venue issued a statement on their Facebook page ensuring that they will not be closing down.



Source: http://themusic.com.au/news/all/201...for-two-years-following-nightclub-drug-busts/

 

[Jabberwocky]

23 arrests in SW China drug busts

Police in a small county on the China-Myanmar border claim to have cracked seven major drug trafficking cases and seized more than 220 kg of narcotics over the past month.

The intercepted narcotics included 186 kg of methamphetamine, 9.4 kg of heroin and 27 kg of opium, the public security bureau of Menglian County in southwest China's Yunnan Province said in a press release on Saturday.

Twenty-three suspected drug dealers were arrested, it said.

In a single case cracked in mid April, 120 kg of narcotics were seized.

On April 8, police in Menglian County stopped a man and a woman from transporting 26 kg of methamphetamine to central China's Hubei Province.

In collaboration with police in the neighboring Guizhou Province, anti-drug authorities in Menglian seized 9.4 kg of heroin and arrested 10 dealers on April 18.

The cases are under further investigation, the statement said.

Cross-border drug trafficking is rampant in Menglian of Pu'er City, which has a population of about 130,000.


Source: http://www.china.org.cn/china/2016-05/01/content_38361770.htm

 

[Jabberwocky]

Springfield woman arrested in 2 drug busts in 2 weeks

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A 26-year-old woman from Springfield is having a hard time staying out of trouble. She was first arrested on March 30th on drug charges, and then a little over a week later, arrested on April 8th.

According to Springfield Sgt. John Delaney, Kristen Ellinger was arrested around 10:00 a.m. after Narcotic Detectives followed her to the “Automated Laser Car Wash” on Cooley Street in Springfield and saw her sell “On Point” logoed bags of Heroin to a man.

22News reported last week when Ellinger and her boyfriend, Efrain Morales, were arrested for selling large amounts of heroin. Sgt. Delaney said Ellinger was also arrested with 50 grams of pure Heroin. She posted $10,000 cash bail earlier this week.

On Friday, detectives discovered that Ellinger was still selling heroin. Sgt. Delaney said detectives set up surveillance outside her Bay State home and followed her to the car wash on Cooley Street.

Sgt. Delaney said Ellinger drove to a vacuum kiosk, and a few minutes later, a Chevy Tahoe pull up to the same kiosk. The driver of the Tahoe, later identified as 48-year-old Troy Chabot of Agawam, was seen by detectives getting out of his car and allegedly buying heroin from Ellinger.

Both Ellinger and Chabot were arrested immediately. Detectives found 102 bags of Heroin in Chabot’s pocket with the “On Point” logo on the bags. Sgt. Delaney said detectives then found 278 bags of Heroin, 8 bags of Cocaine and $450 in Ellinger’s pink purse.

After searching Ellinger’s home on Bay Street, detectives found another 530 bags of Heroin and 10 grams of Cocaine. A total of 910 bags of heroin was seized in the bust, and they all had the “On Point” logo.

Ellinger faces the following charges:

Distribution of Heroin
Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute
Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute
Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute
Chabot faces the following charges:

Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute
Possession of Cocaine
Sgt. Delaney said Ellinger will be held the weekend and arraigned in Springfield District Court on Monday.


Source: http://wwlp.com/2016/04/08/springfield-woman-arrested-in-2-drug-busts-in-2-weeks/

 

[Jabberwocky]

Drug network reached into Johnstown neighborhoods

What began as a series of drug arrests involving confidential informants exploded into a massive campaign targeting some of the region’s top alleged heroin dealers.

A 15-page grand jury report details the workings of a Johnstown drug ring, its tactics and how its players conspired to distribute $2.7 million in heroin in 13 months before 33 people were snared by agents of the state attorney general in “Operation Flood City Smackdown” on April 23.

“This was one of the larger busts we’ve ever seen,” Johnstown police Capt. Andrew Frear said. “And we hope this makes an impact.”

Federal authorities used wiretaps and five search warrants in Pittsburgh and for Johnstown locations in the Solomon Homes housing area and on Derby Street in the city’s Roxbury neighborhood.

In the end, federal and local authorities say they crushed a drug ring whose tentacles reached into Allegheny, Indiana, Somerset, Blair, Cambria, Huntingdon and Erie counties and to Buffalo, New York.

In Johnstown, officials say the operation’s leader was a Pittsburgh resident who established a local base out of a Roxbury apartment. Much of the organization’s local heroin deals were done at two apartments in the Solomon Homes.

Thomas Owens, field supervisor for the Cambria County Drug Task Force, said the battle is far from over.

“We have to continue our aggressive approach to getting the heroin out of Johnstown and Cambria County,” he said.

‘Big-time’ dealer

The “Smackdown” arrest of Pittsburgh resident Curtis Harper was referred to by one law enforcement official as “chopping the head off the snake.”

Law-enforcement officials say Harper, 41, led the extensive operation that included his mother, Denise Harper, and Stephanie Clemm, with whom he has a child. Police say Harper and Clemm stored large amounts of heroin at Crestline Street and Broad Street addresses in Pittsburgh.

Clemm was a key player who referred to Harper as “a big-time drug dealer.” She knew his heroin associates and advised Harper which were not trustworthy.

“She received college tuition, jewelry and other personal items from Harper,” according to the grand jury report.

Federal drug agents raided Denise Harper’s residence on March 2, seizing $36,018 from her bedroom, drug packaging material from the basement and a stolen Glock Model 26 handgun from the living room.

Authorities say they intercepted a phone call in which Denise Harper requested her son’s Social Security number so she could submit a fraudulent application for his medical assistance and food stamps.

“She reminded him – with a chuckle – to tell his interviewer from the government that he doesn’t pay rent and he has no job,” the AG’s report said.

Roxbury headquarters

Curtis Harper and one of his main associates, Isaiah “Zeke” Gibbs, have a history of local drug arrests.

And despite their out-of-town addresses, both men set up residences in Johnstown, authorities said.

Harper had been free on bail since late 2011, awaiting trial on drug charges initially filed in August 2013, online court records show.

Gibbs, a 23-year-old Columbus, Ohio, native, was charged with drug delivery in September 2014. After serving three months in jail, he was granted entry into the county’s day reporting center program. Gibbs was granted parole but was ordered to continue with the program this past year and complete his GED, court records show.

Both men have been behind bars since early March, when investigators raided a Roxbury apartment and found 50 stamp bags of heroin, more than $1,000 in cash and a security system.

According to the grand jury report, Harper and Gibbs – who now also faces a parole violation hearing May 16 – were leasing the living space in the 200 block of Derby St.

County property records show the home is owned by a Johnstown man, Lorenzo Favor.

Attempts to reach Favor for comment were unsuccessful. A phone number listed for his Lowman Street address was disconnected and several other documented residences did not have listed telephone numbers.

Harper was arrested March 2 at the Derby Street apartment. Authorities said he tried hiding evidence by throwing heroin out of a window.

Solomon distribution

Law-enforcement officials say Harper used mostly female couriers to ferry drugs between Pittsburgh and

Johnstown from February 2015 to March 2016. Many of the people he employed were “heroin-addicted” couriers.

Much of the heroin was sold from two apartments in the Solomon Homes, the report said.

“This was a case where heroin was being sold in public housing complexes where many children live,” Attorney General Kathleen Kane said in a statement.

Harper received phone calls from buyers and directed them to an apartment. He was “fielding calls on numerous phones from heroin buyers” and was in possession of five phones, the report said.

Much of the heroin sold was stamped “Happy,” “Welcome 2 Bagdad,” “Fly High” and “Mustang.”

None of the heroin seized is believed to be linked to the tainted drugs responsible for the recent rash of fatal overdoses, authorities said.

Harper sold approximately 25 bricks per day – each brick containing 50 bags of heroin – charging between $200 and $300 per brick. He drove a Mercedes-Benz and raked in $150,000 to $225,000 per month, the report said.

‘Demand for drugs’

Ed Miller has been police chief in Portage Borough for eight years. He has seen firsthand how heroin is devastating the community. Portage officials are now hoping to open a drug treatment facility.

He worries more dealers will fill the gap left by “Smackdown.”

“Most definitely,” Miller said. “As long as the demand for drugs is there, there’s always going to be somebody to come in and step up to the plate.”

Heroin and bath salts continue to plague the Portage area, he said.

Much of the heroin flows from Pittsburgh, Baltimore and New York City, he said.

Owens is confident, yet cautious, when assessing the local war on drugs.

“When you start to get to the level the AG has, getting the people who were selling large quantities, it’s going to make a difference because you’re cutting off the head of the snake,” he said.

Still, he said: “There are always people looking to take over.”

Frear added: “We have to keep an eye on things because someone’s going to come in and take their spot.”


Source: http://www.tribdem.com/news/drug-ne...cle_19ac5c2c-14d3-11e6-b120-870e9f995cdd.html

 

[Hiltoniano]

^ I like that they kinda point out that it's all a huge waste of time money and human lives. They call it a war for a reason. It seems they are almost fighting themselves now, trying am hard to convince everyone including themselves that they are making s difference by incarceration of people who, regardless of race ( it is totally fuckdd too in that area) , are in possession of some compound and people pay him for it. Sounds stupider ever time I consider it.

I wish there was a way the American people could vote directly on drug policy and sentencing guidelines as well as removing mandatory mins and stopping the vilified felony charges. Utter nonsense and lots those charges-which can land people for decades in PRISON or LIFE in prison . Even if they get out early or somehow avoid jail or move through the system relativity quickly, they have a mark on their record for life most of the time. I have a 20 year old friend who cannot get into colleges or any job higher than pizza delivery due to his felony possession of 30 grams of marijuana . He was just a college freshman, smoker too not a dealer.kicked out of college and his parents disowned him. He is in debt and still stuff goes wrong cuz of his probation and record .

It's plain wrong, and twisted is what I call it. Essentially the only way out are people who are likely white males, 18-45 yrs old, middle to upper class, has defense lawyer , Legit attorney , etc, charges reduced or dropped, etc. Not for minorities though. They are just pulled into the shitstorm that is the prison and law enforcement, courts , etc. it's a goddam disease that the government infects propel with who have low defense. Some people have immunity (rich, just like in medicine they receive the best of Everyrhing)


A damn felony charge really screws you over for any legitimate vebture involving background checks and all that. And, without an outstanding explanation ( and additional proof for that explanation) you are stuck with it, even if you clean up your life, they don't seem to give much of a damn , the judges and prosecutors - they are taking people's lives and livelihoods away from those who cannot afford to get off easy with a fancy lawyer and thousands of dollars on top of bail, court cost, fines, and basically they shit on your life-probation and parole, they require you pay them, and hey have the right to stres you for consuming a substance they don't agree with. How absurd.

 

[manboychef]

[MENTION=242434]Hiltoniano[/MENTION], You are so right. I would love to have an open and honest forum to discuss the drug war with the people perpetrating it. If enough voices speak up, they will have to listen.