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

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CCTV Leads to Arrest - Darwin CBD

Police arrested a 44-year-old man last night after CCTV operators noticed the man who appeared to be possessing and using an illicit substance.

Senior Sergeant Michael Hebb said at around 7:00pm, Police immediately responded to the information and attended the identified location in Darwin’s CBD.

“Officers conducted a search and seized a small bag believed to contain an illicit substance,” said Senior Sergeant Hebb.

“A further search by Police located fireworks in a bag which is believed to belong to the alleged offender.

“This should serve as a reminder to people that not only do Police not tolerate drugs in our community, but through utilising CCTV we are able to monitor and respond to unlawful activities.

“It is also widely known that the possession of fireworks is illegal, and if caught with them you could face a $282 on-the-spot fine.

“The man has been released on bail and is due to appear in Darwin Magistrates Court on 5 October 2012.”

The alleged offender was charged with:

Possess dangerous drug
Administer drug to self
Possess fireworks outside approved period
Resist police
Disorderly behaviour
Use objectionable words.

http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Media-Cen...ugust/28/CCTV-Leads-to-Arrest-Darwin-CBD.aspx

 

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Taskforce Raven Wrap Up

A three week long operation based in Darwin, Palmerston and surrounding areas, has led to more than 50 arrests and $82,000 worth of recovered stolen items.

Detective Sergeant Mark Stringer from the Drug and Organised Crime Section said the operation focused on targeting drug supply, property crime and violent crime.

“In total, Police executed 17 search warrants, arrested 52 alleged offenders and charged them with 107 offences,” Detective Sergeant Stringer said.

“A further 13 received a summons to appear in court and nine were issued with Drug Infringement Notices. Police also seized 711 grams of cannabis and 60.36 grams of amphetamine.

“Although the operation itself has finished, Police are still targeting this type of offending and expect to make further arrests in due course.

“During the 21 day operation, we saw a reduction in unlawful entries of 20%.

“Operation Raven’s success was due to hard working Detectives focussing on property offenders and street level drug dealers.”

http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Media-Centre/Media-releases/2012/August/29/Taskforce-Raven-Wrap-Up.aspx

 

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Police raid houses with suspected bikie gang link

The Gang Crime Squad is searching several Albany properties after receiving information that people connected to the Rock Machine motorcycle gang are distributing illegal drugs.

Police are not revealing what they have found during the raids on six properties this morning.

However, they allege several people in Albany are involved in drug dealing and other illegal activities, related to the gang.

The Officer in Charge of the squad Jeff Christmas has told ABC Local Radio police have a number of people of interest.

"We've come down from Perth today, we have quite a large contingent of police that are in town conducting inquiries into activities of the Rock Machine outlaw motorcycle gang," he said.

"We've identified a number of individuals that live in the Albany area that we believe are involved in the drug distribution."

Senior Seargent Jeff Christmas says the information the squad received has proven to be credible.

He says the individuals appear to have been trying to establish themselves in the gang.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-30/rock-machine-search-in-albany/4233396

 

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Large quantity of illegal steroids recovered in Adelaide property search – 30 August 2012

ustoms and Border Protection officers have seized large quantities of illegal performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) after searching a Morphett Vale property in Adelaide’s south last week.

Over 300 tablets and more than 80 bottles of liquid PIEDs and other associated paraphernalia, including syringes, hypodermic needles and glass laboratory equipment, were located in the search of the property on 23 August.

Customs and Border Protection National Manager Investigations, Kingsley Woodford-Smith, said the case was a reminder that it was illegal to import performance and image enhancing drugs without a permit.

“Many overseas-based websites and retailers of performance and image-enhancing drugs, including steroids, will claim these goods can be legally mailed to Australia. This simply isn’t the case,” he said.

Those found guilty of attempting to import PIEDs without a permit can face fines of up to $110,000 and/or five years gaol.

Customs and Border Protection investigations into the Morphett Vale seizure are continuing.

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/mediaRelease20120830.asp

 

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More than 1kg of drugs seized during car stop - Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad

Officers from the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad (MEOCS) have seized more than one kilogram of tablets believed to be ecstasy during a car stop in Sydney’s west.

Highway patrol officers attached to MEOCS were patrolling the South Granville area about 9.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 29 August 2012), when they stopped a Holden Astra on Mona Street.

After speaking with the driver, officers searched the vehicle, locating a shoebox containing 4000 tablets suspected of being ecstasy.

The drugs, which will undergo forensic testing, weighed more than one kilogram and have an estimated potential street value of $160,000.

The 28-year-old male driver was placed under arrest and taken to Auburn Police Station.

He was charged with supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) and refused bail to face Burwood Local Court today.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI1MjU5Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

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Acer task force strikes again

Investigators from Acer Taskforce executed a warrant this morning in Meadow Heights locating firearms, a crossbow and drugs.

The warrant was executed at a bungalow at the rear of a home in Ironbark Court at 7.45 this morning.

As a result, police allegedly located six firearms, a crossbow, a taser and an amount of amphetamine.

A 23-year-old Meadow Heights man has been charged with possess prohibited weapon, prohibited person in possession of firearms, possess drug of dependence and other associated offences.

The man has been bailed by police to appear at the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on 29 November.

http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/more-news/10306-acer-task-force-strikes-again.html

 

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Drug operation, Metropolitan South Region

Dutton Park detectives have closed an eight month investigation into illegal drug suppliers in the South Brisbane district, uncovering a network that spanned the South East corner of Queensland.

Operation Rambo started in December last year, and involved officers from Dutton Park CIB with assistance from State Crime Operations and police across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Search warrants were executed on addresses in Brisbane, Beachmere and the Gold Coast, resulting in the seizure of a significant amount of cannabis, MDMA, cash and vehicles.

Police arrested and charged six men with a total of 62 charges, including drug trafficking, possession of dangerous drugs and other drug related offences.

A 46-year-old Surfers Paradise man, a 25-year-old Nerang man, a 34-year-old The Gap man, a 35-year-old Sinnamon Park man, a 31-year-old Everton park man and a 32-year-old Springfield Lakes man were all charged with trafficking, and other drug related offences.

They will all be reappearing in the Brisbane and Southport Magistrates Courts during the coming weeks.

Officer in Charge of Dutton Park CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leadbetter said that the closure of the operation would have a significant impact on drug supply through the South East of Queensland.

“The amount of cannabis and MDMA seized has a street value of approximately $1.4 million,” he said.

“Our detectives have worked tirelessly to bring this operation to a close, to disrupt the supply channels of illegal drugs through our region, as well as other illegal activities that can be a flow of effect of drug dealing and production,” Detective Senior Sergeant Leadbetter said.

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/blog/2012/08/30/drug-operation-metropolitan-south-region/

 

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Gang Crime Squad seizes Albany drugs

The Gang Crime Squad says it has seized drugs and other items after a series of raids related to an alleged drug operation involving a bikie gang.

The squad raided numerous Albany properties yesterday and was continuing to search properties last night.

The raids came after police received information that people linked to the Rock Machine gang were distributing drugs in the region.

Police say it appears the gang was trying to establish an Albany chapter.

Senior Sergeant Jeff Christmas says police are yet to arrest anyone but will issue summonses requiring several people to appear in court.

"But of course that is just one part of our operation, the main aim of our operation today was to send a clear message to the people of Albany and to anyone who knows anybody who thinks that they're going to get involved in this gang to come forward and tell us," he said.

"We have spoken to a number of people of interest to our operation and made it quite clear to them and anyone else in the community that if they think that they're going to join these particularly nasty people that we're going to do everything that we can to stop that from happening."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-31/gang-crime-squad-seizes-albany-drugs/4236132

 

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Police downplay drug lab spike

Albany police say while there has been a noticeable spike in the discovery of clandestine drug laboratories and other drug activity, that does not mean illicit activity is on the rise.

Two men were charged yesterday with attempting to produce methamphetamine at a Mount Melville property.

A 46-year-old man was bailed without being required to enter a plea, while an arrest warrant has been issued for the other man.

Sergeant Jon MacMillan says while there have been more discoveries, that does not necessarily mean more people are involved in drug activities.

"I wouldn't say it's a specific spike, it's just we're able to do some proactive work and it has culminated in some arrests," he said.

"I wouldn't say there's a worry of a drug culture, we just want to make sure that we can control the drug problem and we can try to eliminate it in Albany."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-31/police-downplay-drug-lab-spike/4236114

 

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GANG CRIME SQUAD ACTIVITY IN ALBANY

Gang Crime Squad officers yesterday executed eleven search warrants in and around Albany as part of an effort to deter and disrupt activities of the Rock Machine Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG).
The search warrants were based on information received that the Rock Machine OMCG were attempting to establish an Albany chapter of their gang, and that people linked to them were distributing drugs in the local community.
Three people will be summonsed for drug offences, after seizures of substances believed to be Cannabis, Methylamphetamine and Dexamphetamine. A number of smoking implements were also seized.
The efforts by the Gang Crime Squad are intended to protect the local Albany and surrounding communities from the effects of organised crime, including those relating to drugs, violence and anti-social behaviour.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jeff Christmass, Officer in Charge of the Gang Crime Squad, said it is important for the local community to provide police with information on the planned activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs, and urges anyone that has been approached by members or associates of the Rock Machine OMCG to contact Crime Stoppers with that information.
“We understand some people may wish to remain anonymous, and we are happy for that to be the case. All we want is the information we can act on to protect the local community from the risks associated with OMCG activity in their community.”
Ends release.

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=rFwFjW9tt6g=&tabid=1489&mid=1983

 

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Lawyer: Drug habit devastated my life

An Auckland lawyer today convicted of possession of methamphetamine says his drug habit devastated his life.

Calvin Dean Wootton, 46, appeared for sentence before Judge Mark Perkins in Auckland District Court this afternoon.

"You've appeared so often before me in the courts so I'm devastated that you are here facing these charges, I really am," Judge Perkins said.

He convicted and fined him $500 for charges of possession and methamphetamine and possession of a pipe.

He also ordered him to pay court costs of $132.

Judge Perkins did not feel he needed to sentence Wootton more harshly due to his standing as a lawyer.

"I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be dealt with in the same way as anyone else appearing before this court," he said.

"Lawyers can become addicted to things like everyone else - they're human beings."

Defence lawyer Steve Cullen said Wootton's marriage and life had "disintegrated" as a result of offending, but he had since cleaned up his act.


Wootton was initially also charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply and possession of cannabis, but these charges were withdrawn.

According to the police summary of facts, he was found with a "small amount" of methamphetamine in a plastic snap-lock bag.

The criminal barrister has worked as a lawyer for more than 10 years and in 2008 teamed up with disgraced lawyer Chris Comeskey on the Nai Yin Xue murder case.

Xue was later found guilty of murdering his wife and dumping her body in the boot of a car before fleeing the country with his three year-old daughter and abandoning her in Melbourne.

Outside court, Wootton told APNZ he had no immediate plans to return to practicing law.

"I don't feel worthy - certainly in the short term - to practice law again. I'll review that some time in the future but right now I'm just looking for a change and to do other things."

He said he became involved with methamphetamine after living with a flatmate from "the other side of the tracks".

"I saw another part of society which, previous to this flatmate, I'd never seen before."

He said he'd got the habit under control.

"I'm in a good relationship now and she's very supportive and she's anti-drugs in every way.

"As a Maori in the community, as a leader, I'm ashamed of the ramifications this could have.

"It's not good. I'm devastated really. It's been a hell of a ride."

- APNZ

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10830873

 

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Drug-accused 'Banker' loses suppression bid

Ecstasy-type pills come in various colours with stamped logos. Photo / Supplied

The identity of "The Banker" in an alleged designer-drug ring can be revealed as evidence that he used a false passport to shift $2 million overseas emerged in court.

Name suppression lapsed for Craig Williams last night after a judge indicated that Williams was unlikely to be granted bail to live in his apartment in the Metropolis tower.

The 46-year-old was arrested in Operation Greenstone on Tuesday after detectives bugged the rooms where he lived after attempts to intercept his private conversations were thwarted by "military grade" encryption technology on his phone and email.

Three leading members of the alleged drug ring were on bail on the exact same criminal charges laid in Operation Ark last November in which police seized more than $20 million of assets.

The British national faces 11 charges of importation and supply of Ecstasy-type pills. He was known as "The Banker" to other members of the alleged criminal syndicate.

Defence lawyer Graeme Newell sought bail for his client who had no criminal history anywhere in the world and police had seized both his British and Australian passports.


Williams is the sole caregiver for his 5-year-old daughter. Mr Newell said separating a young child from her father was clearly detrimental. She had been in the custody of CYFS since his arrest.

Mr Newell submitted the chances of Williams leaving New Zealand without his passports - and the passport of his daughter - and interfering with the ongoing operation while under strict bail conditions were remote. "He's stuck here."

In opposing bail, police prosecutor Eddie Iosefa outlined some of the evidence gathered against Williams during the five-month covert inquiry.

He said Williams used a false passport in the name of Timothy Bolton to transfer $2 million from a Queen St foreign exchange outlet to overseas accounts in Thailand, the United States and China in the 12 months leading up to his arrest. Money was also transferred around accounts in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Williams moved to New Zealand in November - around the time the original Operation Ark arrests were made - and was alleged to have worked closely with the millionaire businessman at the top of the syndicate, known as "The Boss".

Mr Iosefa said Williams' daughter was in an "unfortunate situation".

Bugged conversations recorded Williams scolding her because she distracted him while counting "loads of cash", said Mr Iosefa. He also alleged that Williams took his daughter with him on drug deals and CYFS was now applying for a court order for custody.

Another bugged conversation recorded Williams talking about cash and passports in a safety deposit box in case he had to flee the country, said Mr Iosefa.

In response, Mr Newell said he was "blindsided" by the allegation of the $2 million transfers which had not been disclosed to him. He asked Judge Stan Thorburn for the evidence to be given to him and more time to take instructions from his client.

Judge Thorburn gave a "strong indication" that bail would be declined but agreed the case should be adjourned until Tuesday.

Williams has an IT background and lived for seven years in Thailand before moving to Auckland.

Detectives investigating "The Banker" said he took sophisticated measures to cover his tracks, including using "military grade" encryption of his emails and cellphones. He also allegedly used Skype software on his computer so his conversations could not be electronically intercepted.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Cahill said the alleged drug dealing targeted in the investigation involved multimillion-dollar sales, with one dealer alone by his own records purchasing $4.5 million of pills.

"There is a lot of ignorance amongst users of these drugs, about what the pills contain and the level of danger associated with using them," Mr Cahill said.

"[The arrests] will have an impact on the supply of harmful drugs that are regularly leading to hospital admissions."

Mr Cahill says the manufacturers and importers are constantly altering the chemical makeup of the drugs in an attempt to circumvent the law and avoid detection.

The pills come in various colours with stamped logos and retail for between $40 and $50.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10830967

 

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NZ - Party pill drug linked to strokes, brain bleeds WARNING

A drug that replaced BZP in party pills has been linked to cerebral haemorrhages and strokes in users.

It took four years for DMAA to be banned under the new temporary rules set up to stop new legal highs from springing up.

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne banned the drug in February after getting advice that it was literally blowing the minds of users.

Dimethylamylamine (DMAA) had been patented in 1944 as a Nasal decongestant. Health officials told Mr Dunne the drug had replaced BZP after the latter was banned in 2008.

But by 2012, the amount in doses had soared and the drug had morphed from the party pill market into dietary supplements and sports nutrition products.

It was a similar pattern to that followed by BZP, which health monitoring later tracked as being used by 15 per cent of the population.

Mr Dunne was told DMAA doses had increased as the drug became entrenched as a BZP replacement. The doses went from 50mg in pills up to 5gm packets of powder.


In the 18 months leading up to the ban, emergency medicine specialists reported at least five cases of cerebral haemorrhage.

They included a 23-year-old woman who took the recommended two-tablet dose of Pure X-S. Inside 30 minutes, she started vomiting and twitching and a brain scan showed bleeding across the frontal lobe.

Others included a man aged 36 who took Cocaine Party Powder before suffering a headache and weakness on his right side. He woke with weakness on his left side and a facial droop.

Other reported problems included a stroke and a young woman who reported "excessive bleeding" and bruises while taking a dietary supplement containing DMAA.

NZ Drug Foundation director Ross Bell said BZP had become a product which was "self-prohibiting". Those who used it did so sparingly because it came with a crushing hangover.

"But the new ones are said to be very moreish. People kept taking them," said Mr Bell.

An early version of synthetic cannabis had appeared on the market about seven years ago with few problems reported, he said. It had been banned - and was replaced with Kronic and similar substances that were reported to have a greater number of problems.

Papers released under the Official Information Act showed concerns were raised about the temporary banning system used to get rid of synthetic cannabis products.

Treasury officials warned health bureaucrats that users might find other substances that were "potentially more dangerous alternatives". The Treasury called for greater research before the temporary scheme was put in place.

Treasury officials also warned Mr Dunne the plan to ban the drugs could be out of proportion to the "size and nature of the health risk".

Officials said the plan to issue temporary banning notices was too rushed.

Mr Dunne received advice from the National Poisons Centre showing the number of calls in the lead up to synthetic cannabis being banned. Staff at the centre got one call every two days at the peak of concerns. After the ban, the calls dropped to a maximum of four a month.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10830964

 

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Police arrest 200 suspected drug offenders in 5-day blitz

A total of 200 suspected drug offenders were arrested after a five-day island-wide blitz by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).

Its operations, held from Aug 27 to Aug 31, targeted both demand and supply of illicit drugs in Singapore.

Out of the 200 suspected drug offenders arrested, 17 had been arrested for suspected drug trafficking.

Drugs worth more than $159,000 were seized, including about 1.4kg of heroin, 35g of ‘Ice’, 22 Erimin-5 tablets and 6g of ketamine.

http://www.straitstimes.com/breakin...suspected-drug-offenders-5-day-blitz-20120831

 

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'Bikie associate' in court after weapons and drugs raid

An alleged associate of the Comanchero bikie gang has appeared in court charged with 19 offences after police raided a house in south-west Sydney.
Saaman Qiasi, 28, of Liverpool, did not apply for bail when he appeared via audio-visual link in Parramatta Bail Court this morning.

Firearms and Organised Crime Squad police allegedly seized firearms, ammunition, knuckledusters and Tasers during a raid on the premises on Memorial Avenue in Liverpool on Thursday.
Mr Qiasi was arrested the next day when police stopped the car in which he was travelling on the Hume Highway in Liverpool.

He was charged with 19 offences including possessing unauthorised pistols, firearms, weapons and prohibited drugs.
The court heard he possessed knuckledusters, fireworks and quantities of the drugs ecstasy, cocaine and amphetamine.

Police allege Mr Qiasi is an associate of the Milperra chapter of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang.
He is due to appear in court again on Tuesday.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/bikie-associate-in-court-after-weapons-and-drugs-raid-20120901-256x4.html

 

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Man charged after, drugs, cash and firearm seized - Charlestown

Police have charged a man after locating drugs, cash and a firearm in Newcastle.

About 12.40am today (Saturday 1 September 2012), police attached to Lake Macquarie Highway Patrol were conducting stationary random breath testing on Hillsborough Road at Charlestown.

Officers signalled for a white Holden Commodore to stop; however, it’s alleged the driver ignored directions and continued at speed.

The car was followed by police to a nearby home on Charlestown Road, where three males ran from the vehicle.

A 31-year-old man was arrested a short time later while he was allegedly attempting to hide from officers.

During a search of the man and the vehicle, it’s alleged a large sum of cash, drugs, and drug paraphernalia were found.

A double barrel firearm and ammunition were also located and seized.

After being taken to Belmont Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing, the man was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was later charged with the following offences:

Supply prohibited drug;
Possess prohibited drug;
Possess firearm/ammunition; and
Deal with proceeds of crime;
He was also charged with a number of traffic offences.

The Cardiff South man was bail refused to appear in Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 2 September 2012).

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI1MzA5Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

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Pot plot exposes US family on the run for 27 years living in Julatten, northwest of Cairns

THE lies started with a family pact in a Las Vegas hotel room 27 years ago and ended in a far north Queensland courtroom.

For more than two decades Michael and Anita McGoldrick led an idyllic existence in the tiny community of Julatten, 90km northwest of Cairns, before authorities unravelled the secret they had gone to great lengths to hide.

Their real names were Patton and Sonja Eidson, and he was wanted in the United States for attempting to smuggle one tonne of marijuana into the country in 1986 as part of a wider plot to bring in 20 tonnes of the drug.

They were well loved in their adopted home, and residents from the tight-knit community filled Cairns District Court on Thursday to support the couple as they pleaded guilty to a slew of visa and passport fraud charges.

They held hands and gave each other reassuring looks as details of their life on the run were revealed.

In that Las Vegas hotel room in 1985, the Eidsons convinced their daughter, Karina, they had to flee the country to keep the family together.

Karina was presented with a birth certificate under the name of Sharon Gregory, and her parents adopted the aliases of Michael and Anita McGoldrick, who were real US citizens.

They arrived in Sydney in June 1986, and later made their home in Julatten.

The family raised few suspicions, and their arrest in June last year near Charters Towers shocked the community.

The real McGoldricks had died, but checks by US authorities revealed a couple was actively using passports in their names abroad.

The Eidsons did not deny they were that couple, instead telling Australian Federal Police they "had a long run, and it looks like it's over".

Patton Eidson, 67, will serve six months behind bars as part of a two-year sentence. He will be under medical attention as he battles advanced pulmonary disease.

His 69-year-old wife faces being deported to her native Denmark after escaping jail with a 12-month good behaviour bond.

Their daughter owns a tapas bar in Mackay and intends to remain there after a magistrate decided not to record a conviction against her for similar charges earlier this year.

She said revealing her parents' true identities was never an option.

"Would you ever consider turning in your parents and losing your life?" she asked reporters outside court.

Sonja Eidson conveyed her thanks to the Julatten community for their unwavering support.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/pot-plot-exposes-family-on-the-run/story-e6freon6-1226463097311

 

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Two arrested for drug trafficking

Police have arrested two people for trafficking methamphetamine.
On Sunday, 2 September 2012, police from Western Adelaide Operation Mantle and Uniform Tactical Team searched a house at Pennington and located 19 grams of methamphetamine and an amount of cash.

The seizure of 19 grams of methamphetamine equates to 190 street deals.

A 31-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman, both from Pennington, have been arrested and charged with trafficking a controlled drug, unlawful possession and other offences.

Both have been remanded in custody to appear at Port Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.

http://www.sapolicenews.com.au/comp...s/9666-two-arrested-for-drug-trafficking.html

 

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Court hears bank robber's life story

A 42-year-old Canberra man who has pleaded guilty to a bank hold up has given an account of his life as a drug addict, bank robber and jail inmate over 20 years.

Michael Virgil Tresize, from Curtin in Canberra's south, is being sentenced in the ACT Supreme Court for robbing the CPS Credit Union in Manuka, as well as attempted robberies at the Commonwealth Bank in Fyshwick and the Hughes post office.

Tresize told the court he has used heroin since he was 15-years-old, and has been in and out of jail in the ACT, New South Wales and Western Australia, where he spent seven years in jail for four bank robberies.

He says he is now a full-time father.

Tresize told the court he committed the offences after a relapse which led to a $2,000 debt to a dealer who threatened his children.

The prosecution told the court Tresize has a long criminal history and does not deserve leniency.

Tresize is expected to be sentenced on Wednesday.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-03/court-hears-bank-robbers-life-story/4240690

 

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Attempted murder charges and firearm offences, Brisbane

Police investigating the theft of firearms from Banyo and the attempted murder of a man at Lawnton last week have charged four men with varying offences.

Officers from the State Crime Operations Command’s Armed Robbery and Firearms Investigation Team working with detectives from Metropolitan North closed a protracted surveillance operation last night in which two outstanding offenders were apprehended.

On August 31, officers from the Firearms Investigation Team with the assistance of officers from Operations Support Command executed a search warrant at a Clayfield address following the suspicious theft of eleven firearms from a Banyo residence.

During the search, detectives allegedly located seven firearms including two shotguns, three rifles and two handguns, ammunition and drug equipment. A 68-year-old Clayfield man was charged with one count of posses shortened firearm (Category B), one count of possess unlicensed firearm (Category A) and one count of possess unlicensed firearm (Category B).

Last night, detectives from the Organised Crime Investigation Unit with the assistance of officers from Operations Support Command intercepted and searched a vehicle in a shopping centre carpark at Toombul. Officers located two men and a quantity of property alleged to be methylamphetamine. A 23-year-old man was charged with one count of possess dangerous drugs.

These men are due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today.

Officers later located an 18-year-old man at Zillmere. He was charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of enter dwelling and commit an indictable offence. This relates to the wounding of a man at a Lawnton address on August 29.

A 20-year-old Strathpine man has also been charged with one count of attempted murder and enter dwelling and commit an indictable offence in relation to this matter. Both men are both due to appear in the Petrie Magistrates Court this morning.

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/blog/2012/09/03/attempted-murder-charges-and-firearm-offences-brisbane/