The Aus/NZ/Asian Drug Busts Mega-Thread El Número Cuatro

[poledriver]

Take a stand against drugs campaign - Cootamundra

Take a stand against drugs campaign - Cootamundra

Cootamundra police are launching their 2012 anti-drug campaign urging the community to contact them next week regarding any local cultivating, processing and sale of cannabis.

Rural Crime Investigator, Det Snr Cst Archie French, is urging people with information about local drug issues to call him directly at Cootamundra Station next Tuesday or Wednesday (7and 8 February 2012) between 5pm and 9pm on 6942 XXXX, 6942 XXXX, 6942 XXXX and 6942 XXXX.

“We are asking people living in rural areas to keep a look out for people or vehicles travelling around remote areas such as State Forests, National Parks and private properties. Especially those carrying items such as water tanks, mesh netting, fertiliser and car tyres,” he said.

“Bush walkers, game council hunters and recreational users are asked to let us know about possible crop sites indicated by fenced off areas, water pipes, generators, cannabis plants and camp sites.

“People also grow cannabis hydroponically in houses and sheds in rural and urban areas. Indicators include lights on for long periods, covered windows, unusual smells, large number of persons and vehicles coming and going from the premises.

“If potential cannabis growing locations are identified people are asked to record where these areas are and inform police as soon as possible. Under no circumstances are people to approach suspected areas or people,” Det Snr Cst French said.


The 2012 anti-drug campaign follows the successful Cootamundra ‘take a stand against drugs’ and ‘take a stand against rural crime’ information appeals of 2010 and 2011.

Police are appealing for information from Tumut, Gundagai, Cootamundra, Harden, Boorowa, Young, Grenfell and surrounding areas.

“People may be hesitant to nominate possible suspects but seemingly insignificant information, when combined with other information from the public, can provide police with critical evidence that result in arrests,” Det Snr Cst French said.

Those who can help are urged to give Archie French a call next week, knowing all information received will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Alternatively they can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 ima snitch​

here

 

[poledriver]

Police charge outlaw motorcycle gang members with drugs and weapons offences

Police charge outlaw motorcycle gang members with drugs and weapons offences

Police have charged two members of the Odins Warriors Outlaw Motorcycle Gang with firearms and drugs offences after executing search warrants on industrial sheds in Archerfield last week.

Police from State Crime Operations Command’s Firearms Investigation Team along with detectives from Task Force Hydra, the State Drug Investigation Unit and the Vehicle Crime Unit searched the Boniface Streetbuildings. Customs and Border Protection also assisted with their firearms and explosive detector dogs.

Prior to the search a 58-year-old member of the Odins Warriors OMCG allegedly declared a shot gun to police. During the search of the building occupied by the 58-year-old, police allegedly located an amount of methylamphetamine, a double barrel shotgun, a revolver and a .22 calibre rifle. In excess of 1,000 rounds of ammunition were also located.

Police searched a second building occupied by a 53-year-old member of the Odins Warriors Outlaw Motorcycle Gang and allegedly located an amount of methylamphetamine and cash.

The 58-year-old man from Algester was charged with possess dangerous drug, possess firearms, possess ammunition and possess tainted property. He is scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 16.

The 53-year-old man from Archerfield was charged with possess dangerous drug. He is scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 16.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Kometer jailed over drug stash found in car

Kometer jailed over drug stash found in car

A 44-year-old Kalgoorlie man will spend at least six years behind bars after being caught with more than 1.3 kilograms of methylamphetamine hidden in his car.

Ralph Roger Kometer was found guilty by a jury of possessing the drug with intent to sell or supply.

The District Court was told that in November 2010, Kometer and another man had collected the drug in Perth and were intending to distribute it in Kalgoorlie for reward.

At the time, police said Kometer was believed to be associated with the Gypsy Jokers bikie gang.

Judge John Wisbey described the crime as premeditated and carefully planned.

He sentenced Kometer to eight years jail with an order he serve six before being considered for release.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Man sentenced over methylamphetamines crime

Man sentenced over methylamphetamines crime

A 36-year-old man has received a suspended jail term after pleading guilty in the Supreme Court in Cairns in far north Queensland to supplying methylamphetamines.

The court heard Markus Roy Mueller had several conversations with an alleged dealer being targeted under Operation Warrior between December 2009 and January 2010.

The crown prosecutor told the court police intercepted the alleged dealer's car in Gympie in the state's south-east and found 477 grams of methylamphetamine.

No drugs were found during a police search of Mueller's house in May, but he admitted to attempting to obtain the drugs for his own use.

Justice Jim Henry sentenced Mueller to six months in jail, fully suspended for a period of 18 months.​

here

 

[poledriver]

NRMA wants legal system to be tougher on drug drivers

NRMA wants legal system to be tougher on drug drivers

Motoring body the NRMA says it is horrified by the number of Hunter people who walk away from court penalty-free after being caught driving under the influence of drugs.

The motoring body has obtained figures which show 120 people were charged with drug-driving between 2007 and 2010, but more than a third were given a "Section 10" conviction without penalty from Newcastle Local Court.

NRMA Hunter Director Kyle Loades says that figure is alarming.

"The bottom line is that it's illegal, it's dangerous and it can kill," he said.

"The penalties for motorists caught with the presence of cannabis, speed or ice, or ecstasy should be an $1,100 fine, and a minimum three-month disqualification (from driving) for a first time offence.

"We need 100 per cent of people who are caught drug driving to have the full weight of the law thrown at them to eliminate dangerous driving on our Hunter roads."

Mr Loades says the legal system needs to be tougher on drug drivers.

"The laws are there, the rules are there," he said.

"The community does have the right to ask why are so many people getting off scot-free?

"It's clear that the police are doing their work, the system is letting us down.

"We have the penalties in place, so let's hold people accountable for their actions.

"Throw the book at them, hold them accountable.

"Its clear that we need to be tougher with these drug driving offences."​

here

 

[poledriver]

Man charged after SA-NSW drug trafficking operation uncovered - Drug Squad

Man charged after SA-NSW drug trafficking operation uncovered - Drug Squad

Drug Squad detectives have charged a 67-year-old man with drug offences after uncovering an alleged drug trafficking operation between Adelaide, in South Australia, and Sydney.

Police will allege large quantities of cannabis were being collected in Adelaide before being driven to NSW and supplied in Sydney.

The NSW Drug Squad worked closely with the South Australia Police Drug Investigation Branch, with a man arrested in Adelaide on Friday 3 February 2012.

South Australia Police allegedly located more than 2.5kg of cannabis and $15,000 cash in a car.

A search warrant at a home in Woodpark, NSW, by NSW Drug Squad detectives led to the dismantling of a hydroponic cannabis set-up containing about 25 plants and the seizure of a further 10kg of cannabis.

The man faced court in South Australia on drugs charges before travelling to NSW to meet with NSW detectives.

About 10.30am yesterday (Monday 6 February 2012), the 67-year-old man attended Parramatta Police Station where he was arrested by NSW Drug Squad detectives.

He was charged with the enhanced indoor cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes and supplying an indictable quantity of cannabis.

The man faced Parramatta Local Court yesterday afternoon and has been granted conditional bail to next appear on 16 February 2012.

The NSW Drug Squad will continue to work with its interstate counterparts to investigate and target the cultivation, possession and supply of cannabis.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Four arrested during drug raids

Four arrested during drug raids

Victoria Police detectives have dismantled one of the state’s largest drug laboratories following raids in Melbourne’s north-west today.

Police from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad and members of the Special Operations Group executed five search warrants at residential premises in Manifold Road St Leonards, Cumberland Road Maribyrnong, Albert Street Brunswick, Epsom Road Ascot Vale and Glenferrie Road Hawthorn around 5.30 this morning.

Detectives uncovered an extensive active laboratory at the St Leonards address, which was allegedly in the process of manufacturing what is believed to be amphetamines.

When police attended the Maribyrnong address, two men barricaded themselves inside but were later arrested at the scene by members of the Special Operations Group.

Investigators expect it will take some time to catalogue the extent of the lab but at this stage it’s believed to be one of the most significant drug seizures in recent years, with an estimated value of $10-15 million.

Investigators also seized firearms and an amount of cash from the Maribyrnong address.

Police arrested two men, aged 22 and 28, at the Cumberland Road premises.

A 36-year-old Ascot Vale man was arrested at the Ascot Vale house, while a 25-year-old Brunswick man was arrested in the Sunshine area.

All four are currently in police custody.

Two others, a 29-year-old Hawthorn man and a 35-year-old Hawthorn woman are currently assisting police with their enquiries.

The arrests are the culmination of a 6-month investigation by detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad, targeting the illicit drug trade.

Police had previously uncovered two other alleged drug laboratories in Canterbury and Kew last year which are believed to be linked.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Man facing extradition on drug ring allegations

Man facing extradition on drug ring allegations

A man wanted in Greece for his alleged role in a drug ring has lost a legal bid to stop his extradition from Australia.

Vasilios Konstantinou was due to be extradited to Greece in 2010 after Greek authorities claimed he was involved in a major cannabis production operation in 2005.

He went to Adelaide Magistrates Court seeking to overturn the decision, arguing Greek courts had already ruled he was not involved.

Konstantinou said that meant he could not be charged under South Australian law, or extradited.

But Magistrate Alfio Grasso ruled last year Konstantinou was eligible for surrender to Greek authorities.

The man's lawyers then lodged an appeal in the Federal Court, but it has now dismissed the appeal.

A final decision on whether to extradite Konstantinou will rest with the federal Attorney-General if another appeal is not lodged within the month.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Three face court over $250k cannabis haul

Three face court over $250k cannabis haul

Charges have been dropped against one of the men arrested over the seizure of nearly $250,000 worth of cannabis in Jerrabomberra last year.

Abdul Karim Nikro, 25, Adam Ahmad Jabal, 21, Justin Brady, 25, and Patrick David Mayadas, 28, were charged over their roles in the cultivation of commercial quantities of cannabis found in a Jerrabomberra house, south of Queanbeyan, in August.

The Canberra men were arrested after a joint operation by New South Wales and Australian Federal police.

Police allege up to $225,000 worth of cannabis was seized during a raid on the house.

Now charges against Adam Jabal have been dropped.

The other three men faced the Queanbeyan Local Court today where the case was adjourned until March because the police case is not yet complete.

The men remain free on bail.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Wounded bikie refused bail on drug charges

Wounded bikie refused bail on drug charges

A magistrate has refused to grant bail to wounded bikie Vincenzo Focarelli.

Focarelli is in the Royal Adelaide Hospital recovering from gunshot injuries.

He was shot at suburban Dry Creek in Adelaide more than a week ago and his son Giovanni Focarelli was killed in the attack.

Focarelli's lawyer David Edwardson told Adelaide Magistrates Court police had arrested his 37-year-old client on "dummy charges" of breaching bail and drug trafficking to keep him in custody.

The court heard police allegedly found 413 grams of the liquid drug butanediol in Focarelli's car after the shooting.

Mr Edwardson said the 11 alleged bail breaches related to Focarelli receiving phone calls from associate Michael Sfyris while Sfyris was in jail.

A condition of Focarelli's bail prevented him from having contact with several people, including Sfyris, except for business discussions about the Ink Central tattoo parlour in Hindley Street in the city.

Mr Edwardson argued it would be safest for Focarelli to be on bail because he would be a "sitting duck" in prison or at home.

"Home detention bail would be putting him at risk by confining him to a particular location where he would be a sitting duck," he said.

"Putting him in jail would be putting him with people who want him dead, and again he would be a sitting duck."

Magistrate Bob Harrap refused bail because of Focarelli's alleged offending while on bail and to protect the community.

The hearing was closed while defence lawyers discussed arrangements for Giovanni Focarelli's funeral.

The magistrate said he was very conscious of recent events in Focarelli's life, but the funeral arrangements would now have to be made in consultation with the Correctional Services Department.

Focarelli listened to the court proceedings on a telephone link to his hospital bed.

His lawyer said he would go to the South Australian Supreme Court to appeal against the bail decision.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Police seize drugs with street value of $15m

Police seize drugs with street value of $15m

Victoria Police have found up to $15 million worth of pure amphetamine, cash and guns, during drug raids across Victoria.

They say they have dismantled one of the state's largest drug laboratories, which was used to manufacture methamphetamine.

The raids included a property at Maribyrnong, in Melbourne's inner west, where two men barricaded themselves in a house before being arrested after a five-hour stand-off.

Two men, aged 22 and 28 were arrested.

Two others, a 36-year man and a 25-year-old man were arrested in raids in Ascot Vale, Brunswick and Hawthorn.

Detective Superintendent Doug Fry says hand guns and cash were found at the Maribyrnong property.

He says 15 kilograms of pure amphetamines and a sophisticated drug lab was discovered at St Leonards, on the Bellarine Peninsula, near Geelong.

"At the address at Maribyrnong we found a number of handguns, a large amount of cash," he said.

"At St Leonards, at a clandestine [drug] laboratory, we found a very substantial lab that's got somewhere in excess of we believe of 15kg of pure amphetamine."

He says the estimated street value of the drugs is up to $15 million.

Detective Superintendent Fry says the drug lab was so volatile, investigators had to leave for their own safety.

He says one of the men arrested was also wanted on warrants issued in New South Wales and Queensland.

Police say two other people are currently "assisting police with their enquiries."

The arrests are the culmination of a six month long investigation.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Man charged with firearm and drug offences - Merrylands

Man charged with firearm and drug offences - Merrylands

Police have arrested and charged a man on drug and firearm offences following the execution of a search warrant at a home in Sydney’s west.

About 1.50pm yesterday (Tuesday 7 February 2012), detectives from Holroyd Local Area Command executed a search warrant at a unit on Woodville Road in Merrylands.

Inside, police allegedly found an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and an amount of methyl amphetamine.

A 44-year-old man, an occupant of the property, was arrested and taken to Merrylands Police Station, where he was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of prohibited drugs.

He was refused bail and will appear in Fairfield Local Court today (Wednesday 8 February 2012).​

here

 

[poledriver]

Charges, Surfers Paradise

Charges, Surfers Paradise

A man has been charged with several offences including unlawful possession of a weapon after an incident in Surfers Paradise last night.

Around 8pm a man was allegedly involved in a verbal altercation with another man at an Aubrey Street business. The man allegedly produced a hand gun during the argument and then fled the area on foot.

No one was injured during the incident

Police located a man a short time later in a nearby street.

A 26-year-old Surfers Paradise man has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, threatening violence, going armed so as to cause fear and possession of a dangerous drug. He is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court today.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Suspect package left at court contained drugs

Suspect package left at court contained drugs

Police have confirmed a suspect package left at the Federal Court building in Perth contained drugs worth about $50,000.

Officers were called after a black sunglass case containing two bags of a white crystal substance was found behind a statue outside the building.

Preliminary analysis of the substance has confirmed it to be methamphetamine.

Investigations into the identity of the man who put the case there are continuing.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Police seize 13 firearms and drugs - Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad

Police seize 13 firearms and drugs - Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad

Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad have seized
13 firearms and almost three kilos of Ecstasy believed to be linked with organised crime.

About 4pm yesterday (Tuesday 7 February 2012), detectives conducted a targeted vehicle stop on Cambridge Street, Penshurst.

During a search of the vehicle, police located 13 firearms – nine rifles, an automatic assault rifle, a machine pistol, a .38-calibre Walther semi-automatic, and a home-made single pistol with two barrels – along with a large amount of ammunition.

Police also seized 2.7 kilos of Ecstasy pills and 28 grams of a powder believed to be MDMA.

Each of the weapons will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they have are linked to any crimes.

Inquiries to date by detectives suggest the weapons had previously been in the possession of organised crime groups.

No arrests have been made in relation to the firearms and drug haul, but inquiries are continuing.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Trio arrested following drug seizure

Trio arrested following drug seizure

The Seymour Divisional Tasking Unit has arrested three men following the discovery of a cannabis crop with a street value of about $12,000 in the Kinglake National Park on Monday 6.

Police seized 16 cannabis plants, up to 1.5 metres tall, and equipment including shovels and a post hole digger.

Police arrested a 47-year-old Kinglake man, a 31-year-old Lalor man and a 23-year-old Melton man later that day in the park.

It is alleged the trio attended the crop to relocate the plants to another location.

The men are expected to be charged on summons with cultivate a drug of dependence, possession of drugs and using a drug of dependence.​

here

 

[poledriver]

[NZ] Ringleader admitted drug deals on tape: Crown

[NZ] Ringleader admitted drug deals on tape: Crown

The alleged ringleader of a sophisticated methamphetamine syndicate confessed his drug dealing to police in a videotaped interview, a court heard.

And a man paid $100,000 to be a drug package "delivery boy" is now set to give evidence against him.

The trial of six men and a woman on 44 charges, mostly serious methamphetamine offences, began in the High Court at Auckland yesterday.

Aenoy Bouavong, his brother Phokam Bouavong, Aenoy Keophila, his former girlfriend Thi Hong Lan Nguyen, Ka Kit Poon and Tavita Maleko are alleged to be involved in the large-scale distribution of the Class-A drug across the city.

Xiang Zhang faces two counts of money laundering to hide the syndicate's profits.

Crown prosecutor Mark Williams told the jury police intercepted phone conversations and text messages, and used covert surveillance, to gather evidence between September 2009 and July 2010 of a well-organised drug-dealing enterprise.


Methamphetamine was often sold in ounce amounts (28.5 grams) commonly referred to as "an orange".

Mr Williams said Aenoy Bouavong, also known as Dion, was the leader of the particular group on trial, although he "may have danced to the tune" of others. His "trusted lieutenants" included his brother Phokam, Ka Kit "Derek" Poon and one Henry Mika.

In turn, multiple ounces of methamphetamine were supplied to Keophila and Nguyen. Each ounce was sold for $13,000 and Zhang, who worked for Dreamland Finance, helped launder profits by sending money overseas.

At Mika's arrest, police had found two ounces and more than $70,000 in cash. "That's the sort of money we're talking about," said Mr Williams.

The prosecutor said Bouavong also made "certain admissions" of drug dealing to police when he was arrested in July 2010 in a taped interview which would be shown to the jury.

He also said that a man with "direct knowledge" of the supply of pseudoephedrine - a Class-C drug which is the main ingredient of methamphetamine - would give evidence in the trial.

The witness, John Hsu, had been approached by a Daniel Hsu (no relation) and offered a job to pick up packages. John Hsu had been given a cellphone and texted an address to pick up a package from and another address to deliver the package to.

As well as thousands of tapped phone calls and text messages, a crucial piece of evidence is the "tick list" which allegedly belonged to Henry Mika - a handwritten ledger of supply and debt where transactions matched up with phoned or texted "orders".

All accused have pleaded not guilty except Aenoy Bouavong, who insisted on not entering a plea. The trial is set down for six weeks.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Man charged following cannabis seizure - Lake Munmorah

Man charged following cannabis seizure - Lake Munmorah

Police have arrested and charged a man with a number of drug offences following the execution of a search warrant at a property on the state’s Central Coast.

About 2.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 February 2012), police attached to the Tuggerah Lakes Drug and Anti-Theft Unit executed a search warrant at a home on Wallaby Road in Lake Munmorah.

Once inside, police allegedly located a large amount of cannabis and a taser.

The cannabis, with an estimated street value of over $600,000, and the taser were seized by police.

A 47-year-old man, an occupant of the home, was arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with:

- Cultivate and Possess Prohibited Plant – Commercial quantity;

- Supply / Possess Prohibited Drug; and

- Possess Prohibited Weapon.

He was refused bail and will appear in Wyong Local Court later today (Thursday 9 February 2012).​

here

 

[poledriver]

Man charged after drugs and guns seized - Canley Heights

Man charged after drugs and guns seized - Canley Heights

Police have arrested and charged a man with numerous drug and firearm offences, after searching a home in Canley Heights.

About 8.25pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 February 2012), police stopped a car on Avoca Drive in Canley Vale.

A search of the vehicle led to police allegedly locating over 10 grams of methylamphetamine, more than $3,000 in cash and a large number of mobile phones.

The items were seized and the driver, a 31-year-old man from Canley Heights, was arrested and taken to Cabramatta Police Station.

Police then applied for and were granted a search warrant which was executed at the man’s home in Karoon Ave last night (Wednesday 8 February).

During the search, police allegedly found an amount of methylamphetamine with an estimated street value of over $200,000, as well as two loaded firearms and drug paraphernalia.

The 31-year-old man was subsequently charged with a number of offences relating to the supply of prohibited drugs and the possession of prohibited weapons without a permit.

He has been refused bail and will appear in Bankstown Local Court later today (Thursday 9 February 2012).​

here

 

[poledriver]

[THAILAND] Four agencies to tackle prison drug trade

[THAILAND] Four agencies to tackle prison drug trade

Four major government agencies have agreed to jointly tackle the drug trade in prison with the Corrections Department being the coordinator, Justice Ministy spokesman Thirachai Wuthitham said Wednesday.

The four agencies are the Corrections Department, Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), and Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo).

Mr Thirachai said a meeting of the four agencies had agreed the Corrections Department should coordinate the joint operation.

DSI chief Tharit Pengdit said his deputy Pol Col Yanpol Yangyuen would be responsible for using electronic devices to tap the telephone conversations of drug suspects. The Corrections Department will supply the DSI with information on suspected individuals and groups of people as well as areas targetted for eavesdropping, he said.

Corrections Department director-general Suchart Wongananchai said his department would obtain information on the drug trade in prisons and pass it to the DSI for evaluation.

Information involving financial transactions would be passed to Amlo.

Any Corrections Department officials found to be involved in the drug trade would be investigated by the PACC for further action.

Pol Col Suchart said the Corrections Department alone could not tackle the problem, so help from other agencies was needed.

He said in the past four months he had sacked 18 warders for involvement in the drug trade and seized more than 1,500 mobile phones in prisons.

PACC secretary-general Dussadee Arayawuthi said his agency had proposed that all prison officials be subject to lie detector tests and also have their urine tested for drugs.

The DSI should also check records of telephones use by jailers whose behaviour was suspicious, for example spending beyond their income and gambling, Pol Col Dussadee said.

On Wednesday morning, more than 100 illegal items were discovered in Khao Bin Central Prison in Ratchaburi during searches when police raided two areas of the facility.

Ratchaburi governor Chomchuen Bunyanuson together with a team of police and correctional officers raided zone 7 and zone 9 of Khao Bin about 5am after some notorious convicted drug dealers had been transferred from Klong Pai Central Prison in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Authorities found a cell phone hidden in an inmate's locker. They also found four SIM cards, cell phone chargers, cables, gambling accessories and sharp improvised weapons.

Khao Bin Central Prison has beefed up security in preparation to receive 200 drug inmates being transferred from other jails.

The Corrections Department chief said on Tuesday that Khao Bin has the best security protection system of all prisons nationwide.

The department plans to isolate convicted drug inmates suspected of maintaining connections with the illicit drug trade outside prison from other prisoners.

In Surin province, authorities this morning raided Rattanaburi Central Prison and found crystal methamphetamine, or "ice", and cell phones.

A team of about 260 police, administrative and correctional officers conducted an intensive search this morning.

They discovered a packet of crystal methamphetamine, drug tools, eight mobile phones, 10 phone chargers, five SIM cards, eight sharp objects and modified weapons, and tattoo needles.

Police were interrogating all inmates to track down the drug traders in the prison.​

here