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

[poledriver]

Teens caught buying cannabis at Sydney house

Teens caught buying cannabis at Sydney house

Police say they have charged a man who was selling drugs to teenagers at a house in Sydney's east yesterday.

Officers raided the home on Newland Street at Bondi yesterday afternoon.

A quantity of cannabis was found at the house, along with cash, drug paraphernalia and a gun.

A 48-year-old man was charged with possessing and supplying a prohibited drug.

He is being held in custody to face Central Local Court today.

Inspector Andrew Holland says the man was in the house with a girl and six boys aged between 14 and 16.

"The teenagers were obviously obtaining drugs from this person. Unfortunately the young people won't speak to police in relation to this matter, but the offender has been charged with offences relating to supplying prohibited drugs," he said.

"Police are obviously looking to other accusations in relation to further offences that may involve the young people, but at the same time police also located an old unused fire arm and the offender was charged with possession of an unused firearm as well and also dealing with the proceeds of crime."

The man's computers and mobile phone have also been seized for forensic examination.

The teenagers were taken to Waverley Police Station before their parents were contacted to pick them up.

"Most of these kids come from well-to-do backgrounds. The kids in these areas usually go to private schools and things like that, so the police are very concerned that these sort of young people have been attracted to this kind of offender," Inspector Holland said.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Sunshine Coast drug raids

Sunshine Coast drug raids

The Sunshine Coast Drug Enforcement Team has closed a seven month long operation today disrupting a drug network operating across the Sunshine Coast District.

Police executed 20 search warrants on residences and properties throughout the district resulting in 22 people being charged with 70 drug related offences including 10 people charged with drug trafficking, production of dangerous drugs and other drug related matters.

Operation Juliet Stilton began in June 2011 targeting drug networks throughout the district. Police allegedly seized large quantities of amphetamines, cannabis and other items including property and money.

Sunshine Coast Crime Services Detective Inspector Dave Drinnen said the arrests will have a significant impact on the supply of dangerous drugs in the Sunshine Coast District.

“This operation has been an outstanding success and will have a significant impact on the drug supply within the district.

“We’re committed to reducing the negative impacts of dangerous drugs in our community and we will continue to dismantle these networks,” Inspector Drinnen said.

Police investigations are continuing.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Drug arrests at Mansfield Park

Drug arrests at Mansfield Park

Police yesterday arrested and charged two people with cultivating cannabis after allegedly locating 23 cannabis plants being grown at their Mansfield Park home.
Police will allege that the cannabis plants, being grown non-hydroponically, ranged in height, with some exceeding two metres.

A 40-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested and bailed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court at a later date.​

here

 

[poledriver]

[NZ] Arrests made in aggravated robberies of phramacies

[NZ] Arrests made in aggravated robberies of phramacies

Christchurch police have today arrested two men in connection with the aggravated robberies of two pharmacies during the past week.

A 39-year-old has been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, and a 42-year-old has been charged with being an accessory after the fact.

The charges follow the arrest yesterday of a 25-year-old woman, also charged with two counts of aggravated robbery.

The arrests relate to the robbery of a New Brighton pharmacy on Thursday 16 February and a Mairehau pharmacy four days later.

Police say they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incidents.

The woman appeared in court today and has been remanded in custody.

The two men will appear in court tomorrow.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Police urge music fans to 'PLAY SAFE, STAY SAFE' at Sydney's Soundwave Festival

Police urge music fans to 'PLAY SAFE, STAY SAFE' at Sydney's Soundwave Festival

Police are urging fans to ‘PLAY SAFE, STAY SAFE’ by looking out for each other at this weekend’s Soundwave Festival.

Operation ELBA, a high-visibility police operation, will run at the music festival, targeting anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related crime, and illegal drug use and supply.

The sold-out event will be held between 11am and 10pm at Olympic Park this Sunday (26 February 2012). This year, the all-ages event is expecting 50,000 rock-fans to attend to see more than 80 bands play across seven stages.

Police from South West Metropolitan Region, the Dog Unit, including drug detection dogs, Mounted Police Unit and Commuter Crime Unit, will be involved in the operation, which will take place in and around the venue.

South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli, said police will not tolerate anti-social or criminal behaviour.

“In past years, most of the crowd have stayed safe and enjoyed themselves within the law, but there are always a small number of people who can’t help themselves and set about causing trouble,” said Assistant Commissioner Mennilli.


“Overt and covert police, including drug-detection dogs, will be targeting those taking or dealing illegal drugs, underage drinking, anti-social behaviour, and alcohol-fuelled violence.

“Recreational drugs are not only illegal, they are also dangerous and potentially life-threatening. They are especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

“Anyone who brings drugs with them can expect to be caught.”

Police also remind ticket holders not to bring alcohol into Olympic Park.

“This isn’t a BYO event. There are designated bar areas inside the venue, and alcohol can only be consumed within these defined areas by people over the age of 18 carrying valid identification, Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.

“The Olympic Park precinct is an alcohol-free zone, and police and security will be enforcing it.

“In addition, it is an offence to be in possession of open containers of alcohol on Rail Corp property, so anyone planning to have a few drinks on the way should expect to have it confiscated too.”

The police operation last year saw more that 300 people detained by police.

“Police conducted 308 drug searches, with 16 drug possession charges, two drug supply offences, and 34 cannabis cautions.

“There were also eight people ejected for being too intoxicated, another 43 were ejected by security, and seven people received infringements for a variety of anti-social behaviours.”

St John Ambulance volunteers will also be in attendance at the event, and police encourage anyone under the influence of drugs or excessive amount of alcohol or who feels unwell to seek professional medical attention.


“In 2011, 476 people were treated by St John first aid but luckily no one had to be taken to hospital.

“Their symptoms or injuries varied from the effects of drugs and alcohol, to heatstroke and sunburn, to sprains and bruising.

“That means that more than 100 people essentially wasted money buying a Soundwave ticket because they either broke the law or partied too hard, and then didn’t get to see their favourite bands play.

“Organisers have worked long and hard to put Soundwave together with the best line-up to entertain the fans, and we have worked long and hard with them to ensure the best plans are in place to make the day as safe as possible,” said Assistant Commissioner Mennilli.

Patrons are reminded of the following:


Bottles, cans, weapons, lasers, fireworks, umbrellas, illicit drugs and alcohol are prohibited items and will not be permitted in to the venue. All bags/containers are subject to a full search at entry to ensure the safety of patrons. Prohibited items that are confiscated will not be returned.
Take plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, or a raincoat if weather indicates.
Drink plenty of water as the heat and crowds can cause dehydration.
Patrons who wish to consume alcohol must have photographic identification. Anyone found to be supplying or buying alcohol for a minor will be evicted from the venue and will possibly face criminal charges.
Alcohol and/or drugs increase’s your chances of becoming a victim or offender. Police encourage personal responsibility.
Patrons are encouraged to refrain from crowd surfing, fence jumping and crowd crush to prevent sustaining serious injuries
Police also urge anyone planning to attend the event to check details on the Soundwave website – www.soundwavefestival.com​

here

 

[poledriver]

Rebels bikie charged after Sydney drug sting

Rebels bikie charged after Sydney drug sting

Police say they have charged a senior Rebels bikie after several drug raids across Sydney's west yesterday.

The 42-year-old man was arrested at a Lalor Park home, where police say they seized drug-making chemicals and equipment, along with $50,000 cash and a small amount of drugs.

He was charged with possessing drug precursors, drug supply and recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime.

The alleged Rebel is being held in custody to face Blacktown Local Court today.

A 26-year-old woman is to be issued with a court attendance notice for drug possession.

Police also raided two homes at St Clair yesterday, and say they found a dismantled drug lab at one and a "box" drug lab at the other.

Drug ingredients and other items were also seized.

A 37-year-old woman at one of the houses will be issued with a court attendance notice for weapon and drug possession.

Officers from Strike Force Raptor say yesterday's raid follows investigations into a major drug lab bust at Castle Hill in September last year.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Trafficking charges after Franklin drug bust

Trafficking charges after Franklin drug bust

A 32-year-old women has been charged with drug trafficking after a police raid on a home in Canberra's north.

Police seized drugs including ecstasy, cannabis and amphetamines, along with a revolver and ammunition during a search of a home in Franklin yesterday afternoon.

The operation was the result of a six month investigation into drug trafficking in the area.

The woman was arrested and charged with trafficking a controlled drug, possessing drugs and stolen property, and having an unregistered firearm.​

PHOTO: Police seized drugs and a firearm during a raid of the Franklin home. (ABC Policing )

here

 

[poledriver]

Man pleads guilty to pot crop

Man pleads guilty to pot crop

A 21-year-old man has been released on parole after he pleaded guilty to growing marijuana crops on Queensland's Capricorn Coast.

Hayden Lee Roseman was one of four people arrested last September over a drug crop found in the Byfield State Forest, north of Yeppoon.

He was later fined $800.

In the Supreme Court at Rockhampton today, Roseman pleaded guilty to producing dangerous drugs at Rossmoya and a second site at Byfield.

The court heard he led police there after he was arrested in September, but would not provide any further information to police.

Crown prosecutor Michael Cowen said police found 152 plants at the two locations, weighing almost 15 kilograms.

Justice Duncan McMeekin said although it was not a sophisticated operation, it was clear that some effort had gone into producing the plants.

Roseman was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment with immediate parole.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Cannabis, Methamphetamine Seizure - Darwin

Cannabis, Methamphetamine Seizure - Darwin

Drug and Organised Crime Detectives have charged a 28 year-old man with Possess Cannabis (Trafficable), Possess Amphetamine in public place (trafficable) and Possess tainted Property after he was allegedly found in possession of 2.5 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine.

A subsequent search warrant executed at a Leanyer home yesterday allegedly uncovered a further 5 grams of Crystal Meth, 356 grams of Cannabis, Cannabis seeds and a significant amount of cash.

Detective Sergeant Mark Stringer said the man will also be charged with the Possession of a Prohibited Weapon after a taser was also allegedly found during the search.

“Police will continue to target people who deal in illicit drugs,”​

here

 

[poledriver]

Three charged after drug raids

Three charged after drug raids

More than $500,000 worth of drugs were seized during raids.

Three people have been charged after more than a kilogram of drugs and $200,000 worth of jewellery were seized in police raids yesterday.
Officers from the tactical response group stormed three houses in Mirrabooka, Marangaroo and Darch where they seized 750 grams of methylamphetamine, 314 grams of heroin, jewellery and a large amount of cash. Police also seized the three properties, which are worth $1.8 million.

Detective senior sergeant Brett Ranford, from the organised crime squad, said the three people charged were part of a drug network operating in the northern suburbs.
"These arrests highlight the ongoing successes that police have enjoyed in targeting drug dealers in our community, and it obviously has resulted in a large quantity of drugs being taken off the Perth streets," he said.

A 51-year-old man from Darch and a 33-year-old man and 34-year-old woman from Marangaroo were charged with several counts of supplying a prohibited drug with intent to sell and supply, and possessing unlawfully obtained property.
They were all due to appear in court today.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Woman arrested in clandestine drug lab - Bonnyrigg

Man arrested in clandestine drug lab - Bonnyrigg

A man has been arrested ater police discovered an active clandestine drug lab in Sydney’s west.

About 11.25am (Friday 24 February 2012), Liverpool Detectives assisted by the Drug Squad’s Chemical Operations Team, executed a search warrant at a home in Gemalla Street, Bonnyrigg,

It is alleged they found a clandestine drug lab set up in a shed at the rear of the property, which included drug paraphernalia, chemicals and glassware.

A 39-year-old man was arrested after he walked out of the shed.

The man was taken to Liverpool Police Station where he is expected to be interviewed.

The property at Bonnyrigg is being examined by specialists and initial inquiries suggest it was used for the manufacture of methylamphetamine.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Firearm and drug arrest

Firearm and drug arrest

As a result of ongoing investigations, police from the Crime Gangs Task Force today arrested a man and seized a number of items from his home, including a 9mm pistol.
A search of the man's Salisbury Park home allegedly uncovered a 9mm pistol, a quantity of a controlled drug, a sling shot and instructions on the manufacture of amphetamine.

The 38-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm without a licence, trafficking in a controlled drug, possession of a dangerous article and possession of prescribed equipment.

He has been bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court at a later date.

The seized firearm will be submitted for ballistic and forensic analysis.

Detective Superintendent John De Candia from the Crime Gangs Task Force said, "The search of these premises is part of an ongoing investigation and we believe that this person has links to an outlaw motorcycle gang. People should not tolerate criminal activity of outlaw motorcycle gangs and we encourage people with information to come forward.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Cannabis seizure at Ridleyton

Cannabis seizure at Ridleyton

Police searched a house at Ridleyton today and allegedly located 18 cannabis plants of varying maturity growing hydroponically, a firearm and prohibited weapons.
A 44-year-old Ridleyton man was arrested and charged with cultivating cannabis and firearm offences.

He has been bailed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court at a later date.​

here

 

[poledriver]

[THAILAND] Pharmacist accused of supplying narcotics makers

[THAILAND] Pharmacist accused of supplying narcotics makers

A senior pharmacist at an Udon Thani hospital has been disciplined and is subject to a criminal investigation for allegedly embezzling the profits from the sale of a large amount of cold medicine containing a precursor chemical used to make amphetamines.

The unnamed official is accused of forging reports that 65,000 tablets of the pseudoephedrinebased medicine, contained in 130 bottles, had been delivered to another hospital, when in fact he had sold them and kept the proceeds, said Dr Phichart Dolchalermyutthana, director of the provincial hospital and the official's superior.

He has been transferred pending a disciplinary investigation, and will also be subject to asset seizure if police find that he knowingly sold tablets to drug dealers, Dr Phichart said.

The pharmacist faces five to 20 years' imprisonment and/or a fine of Bt100,000 to Bt400,000 if convicted.​

here

 

[poledriver]

[NZ] Harrods gift basket drug smuggler gets sentence reduced

[NZ] Harrods gift basket drug smuggler gets sentence reduced

Court evidence photographs of the Ecstasy tablets which were smuggled into New Zeland inside a Harrods gift hamper. Photo / supplied

A man who spearheaded a multimillion-dollar drug syndicate run from London that smuggled Ecstasy pills to New Zealand inside Harrods gift baskets has had his sentence reduced by two months.

Matthew Frewer was sentenced last June to eight years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to three charges of supplying MDMA, a class-B drug.

A minimum period of imprisonment of four years, three months was imposed.

The British-controlled drug ring, busted in July 2008, hid drugs inside gift baskets from Harrods, the famous London department store, and posted them to Auckland addresses rented under false names.

The tablets were then delivered to Frewer, who arranged to distribute them to dealers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

At his sentencing Justice Geoffrey Venning said he was a principal wholesaler with responsibilities for receiving and delivering MDMA and taking payment.


Frewer sought to have his sentence reduced through the Court of Appeal, which partially upheld his application.

His lawyer Peter Kaye argued that the initial starting point Justice Venning used in his sentencing exercise was too high when compared with similar cases.

He also said not enough discount was given for Frewer's guilty pleas and Justice Venning should not have imposed a minimum period of imprisonment.

The Court of Appeal rejected all these submissions, but gave Frewer a two-month reduction in his sentence because it was not clear whether Justice Venning had taken into account he had spent about a year on extremely restrictive electronically-monitored (EM) bail before being sentenced.

"Given the lack of certainty as to whether an allowance for time on EM bail was in fact given, we need to ensure that the appellant is not disadvantaged. We therefore consider it appropriate to make an additional allowance to take account of the possibility that no specific allowance was in fact made," the Court of Appeal decision said.

A new sentence of eight years and seven months imprisonment was imposed with a reduced minimum non-parole period of four years and two months.

- APNZ​

here

 

[poledriver]

Hamilton police bust clandestine P lab

Hamilton police bust clandestine P lab

A Hamilton man will appear in court today to face a number of charges after police discovered a clandestine p-laboratory in his home.

Police executed a search warrant at a Tramway Road property in Hamilton around 7am today and found a range of equipment that indicated a clandestine laboratory was present

Senior Sergeant Freda Grace said "a number of people that were present at the address are assisting us with our enquiries."

"As a result one person will face charges of possession of materials, equipment and precursor substances."

Neighbours spoken to by the Herald said they saw a number of police cars surrounding the property and a paddy wagon.

The residents at the property were seen sitting outside on the front lawn.

Fire Services were also called to the one-bedroom Housing New Zealand unit and those who entered the property were hosed down and given a decontamination shower.

There was some disruption to traffic as the warrant was executed and temporary road blocks were put in place to ensure public safety, though these were cleared by around 8.30am.


Senior Sergeant Grace added that it was the result of information from the public that led to early intervention by Police.

"It is incidences like this that provide confidence to the public that police will act on information provided to ensure safer communities together."

- APNZ​

here

 

[poledriver]

Brothers on drugs charges grew up in 'meth lab'

Brothers on drugs charges grew up in 'meth lab'

Newcastle District Court has heard two Lake Macquarie brothers being sentenced for supplying drugs were brought up by their father in a 'meth lab'.

Brothers, Zac and Jye Hawes have pleaded guilty to several drug offences, including supplying methylamphetamine and cannabis.

They were arrested in 2010, when police officers from Strikeforce Chaton raided several Lake Macquarie homes.

Their father, Comanchero bikie gang member, Larry Hawes was also arrested and has been sentenced to a good behaviour bond for cultivating and supplying drugs.

Jye Hawes, 23, began to cry and cross his fingers when Judge Robert Toner yesterday discussed the potential of a minimum five-year jail sentence.

He told the Court he was exposed to the volatile chemicals used to make illegal drugs from the age of six and began taking amphetamines once he was a teenager.

He said by the time he was 15 he was helping his dad in the 'meth lab'.

The men have been remanded in custody ahead of their sentencing next week.​

here

 

[poledriver]

[NZ] Police urge public to be vigilant over possible P labs

[NZ] Police urge public to be vigilant over possible P labs

Police are urging landlords and neighbours to look out for suspicious activity, after another undercover methamphetamine lab was found in suburban Christchurch.

A search warrant was carried out in Charles St, Waltham last Friday, and uncovered a clandestine lab manufacturing methamphetamine.

James Lines, 30, and Marsha Witehira, 32, were arrested and charged in relation to items found for drug manufacturing. Lines has been remanded in custody, and Witehira was remanded on bail.

Detective Inspector Greg Williams said undercover P labs in residential areas posed "considerable risk" to those around them.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Clandestine laboratory located, Reedy Creek

Clandestine laboratory located, Reedy Creek

Police have charged a man after the discovery of an alleged clandestine laboratory at Reedy Creek last night.

Police were called to a Bridgeman Drive address at around 8pm after reports of a disturbance, and upon arrival located a stolen motor vehicle.

It will be alleged that the car contained clandestine laboratory equipment.

A subsequent search of the residence located chemicals and equipment allegedly used for the production of illicit drugs.

A crime scene was declared and officers from the Illicit Laboratory Investigation Team, Scenes of Crime and Criminal Investigation Branch attended.

A 43-year-old Reedy Creek man has been charged with possession of relevant substances and is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court tomorrow.

Investigations are continuing.​

here

 

[poledriver]

[THAILAND] Dealer 'selling drugs while on bail'

[THAILAND] Dealer 'selling drugs while on bail'

Police in Chaiyaphum's Muang district yesterday announced the arrest of a suspected drug dealer in a sting operation, along with 2,746 "ya ba" tablets.

Krisada Phumborirak, 31, who at the time of the sting was out on bail after being arrested for dealing ya ba just a week earlier, claimed that he needed money to fight the court battle in the original drug case.​

here