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

[poledriver]

Festival drug 'supermarket' attracts police scrutiny

Police found a large quantity of illicit drugs and cash in a car and caravan at the weekend's Rainbow Serpent dance music festival in Victoria's west.

Two men and a woman, all from Melbourne, have been charged with trafficking and possession after the discovery of amphetamines, ecstasy and cannabis.

They have been bailed to face the Ballarat Magistrates Court in March.

More than 10,000 people attended the four-day event at Lexton, north-west of Ballarat.

Senior Sergeant Peter McCormick says police will consider having a stronger presence at next year's festival.

"Ecstasy, cannabis, ice and, dare I say, [it was] like a supermarket," he said.

"So that'll certainly come under scrutiny for future events."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-2...rutiny/4488982

 

[poledriver]

Media Release: Woman charged for importing heroin in luggage

This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

A 28-year-old Smithfield woman is scheduled to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (28 January) charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with allegedly importing approximately eight kilograms of heroin into Australia.

Based on intelligence, Customs and Border Protection officers stopped the woman for questioning when she arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Kuala Lumpur yesterday (27 January).

Following questioning, Customs and Border Protection officers undertook an examination of the woman’s baggage. During the examination, officers identified anomalies in the structure of the passenger’s suitcases.

Further examinations revealed the woman’s luggage concealed approximately eight kilograms of a white powder-like substance which tested positive to heroin.

Customs and Border Protection officers referred the matter to the AFP and the woman was later charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment and/or an $825,000 fine.

Customs and Border Protection Acting National Manager Airport Operations North, Allison Denny-Collins, said the seizure highlighted the effectiveness of an intelligence-led approach to targeting people and goods arriving into Australia.

“This is another example of the outstanding work our highly-skilled officers do, in collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies, to protect the Australian community from these dangerous drugs,” Ms Denny-Collins said.

AFP Manager Aviation Operations Michael Chew said yesterday’s seizure was further proof that the AFP is continuing to work closely with its partner agencies to stop the importation of drugs into our airports and onto our streets.

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...-charged-for-importing-heroin-in-luggage.aspx

 

[poledriver]

Drugs Seized - Elliott, NT

Detectives from the Northern SAID (Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk) and the Dog Operation Unit from Katherine executed Operation Lytham at the weekend arresting a Katherine man aged 35 and a 34-year-old man from Rapid Creek.

Police said they were targeting known suppliers of illicit drugs to remote indigenous communities in the Top End. Police detained a vehicle approximately 50 kilometres north of Elliott early Sunday morning 27 January. Detectives located and seized 3.64 kilograms of cannabis secreted in a spare tyre and 4 ecstasy tablets.

Detective Senior Sergeant Clint Sims said the cannabis had the potential to net the men over $350,000 if sold in remote communities.

“That sort of money being taken out of our communities causes wide spread harm and is why the SAID officer’s continue to crackdown on those intent on profiting from exploiting aboriginal people.”

Both men were charged with;

Possessing and supplying a commercial quantity of cannabis;

Possessing a schedule 2 substance; and

Possessing an implement to administer dangerous drugs.

Both were remanded in custody to appear in Katherine Magistrates Court this morning.

http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Media-Centre/Media-releases/2013/January/29/Drugs-Seized-Elliott.aspx

 

[poledriver]

Bikies Drug Ring Busted - Darwin

Three members of the Darwin Chapter of the Rebels Motorcycle Club have been arrested and are to appear in the Darwin Magistrates Court today.

Drug and Organised Crime Squad Officers arrested two of the men for allegedly trafficking methamphetamine and other charges.

On Saturday 26 January Detectives arrested a 25-year-old Rebels associate, travelling under an assumed identity, as he arrived in Darwin Airport from Alice Springs. A subsequent examination at the hospital resulted in the recovery of a trafficable quantity of methamphetamine, concealed in the man’s rectum.

He was charged with:

Conspire with another to commit a crime
Supply schedule 2 dangerous drug
Posses schedule 2 dangerous drug
Travel under false name
Further investigations led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Rebels member during a raid in Stuart Park on Sunday 27 January. Detectives also seized drugs and mobile phones during the search.

He was charged with:

Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice (x4)
Attempt to pervert the course of justice (x6)
Attempt to prevent a witness from attending court (x6)
Breach Bail (x7)
Supply Dangerous Drugs (x7)
Possess Dangerous Drugs (x7)
Conspire to commit a crime
Engage in violent conduct
Disorderly conduct (x2)
Senior Sergeant Peter Schiller of the Drug and Organised Crime Squad said it is alleged the two males had conspired to traffic methamphetamines and have been actively supplying the drug over recent months.

“It is also alleged the 30-year-old male had engaged in intimidation of witnesses involved in an assault and deprivation of liberty matter that is currently before the courts,” Senior Sergeant Schiller said.

Police also located a 27-year-old Rebels member at the Stuart Park residence, found to be in breach of his bail conditions.

He was arrested at the location and will appear in court today.

“Police will continue to actively target Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs in the Territory and further arrests are expected in this matter.

“Of particular concern in this case is the mode of transport of the drugs. I would encourage anyone foolish enough to be involved in the use of methamphetamine, to consider whose body the drugs have previously been in prior to putting it in your own body. The hygiene issues alone are quite disturbing,” Senior Sergeant Schiller said.

http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Media-Cen...anuary/29/Bikies-Drug-Ring-Busted-Darwin.aspx

 

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NZ - More Northland drivers fail drug test

Five Northland men have been convicted for driving under the influence of drugs, with sentences ranging from fines to community work, and all were banned from driving.

Figures released by police late last year show that more than 90 per cent of motorists in Northland tested for driving under the influence of drugs have illicit substances in their blood, including cannabis and methamphetamine.

By the start of October last year, 67 people had been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs, but many more had been caught since.

Five more men have appeared in court charged with driving while their blood contained evidence of a controlled drug.

David Thomas Beachen, 21, appeared in Whangarei District Court after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient of cannabis, was found in his blood in July. Beachen was fined $500 and disqualified from driving for six months.

Laurence Gent, 19, appeared in Kaikohe District Court after THC was found in his blood in July and was ordered to pay $690 and disqualified for six months.


Patea Douglas Rakete, 30, appeared in Kaikohe District Court after THC was found in his blood in June and was sentenced to 40 hours' community work and disqualified for six months.

Zane Barrett Morgan Routledge, 18, was sentenced in Kaikohe District Court to a $500 fine and disqualified for six months after THC was found in his blood in August.

Peter John Reyland, 45, was ordered to pay $770 and disqualified for six months after he had THC in his blood in August.

Northland's top traffic cop, Inspector Murray Hodson, said earlier that police had been focusing on drug-impaired drivers, with more than 90 per cent of those tested found to have drugs in their system.

"That's a very high number and a real concern," he said.

While most of the busted Northland drivers were under the influence of cannabis, many had used methamphetamine.

Police can only drug-test drivers if they believe they are under the influence. The impairment test entails the driver having an eye assessment, followed by a walk and turn, and one-leg stand test.

Drivers who fail the test must undergo a blood test. At this stage there are no plans to introduce mouth swabs to detect drugs. Only officers trained to check for the signs of drug impairment were able to carry out tests.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10862350

 

[Jakeperson]

Clayton Lush among 16 South Australians arrested in giant national drug bust

Court Reporter Andrew Dowdell
From: The Advertiser
January 31, 2013 11:15PM

Drug bust

Police say they've smashed a drug trafficking ring, which was growing and exporting cannabis from South Australia, raking in forty million ...

A FORMER SANFL footballer and television host is among 16 South Australians arrested as part of a cannabis syndicate worth $40 million over the past four years.
Access all Areas. $1 for the first 28 days. Only $2.95 a week thereafter. Learn more.

Clayton Lush, 38, faced Adelaide Magistrates Court yesterday with 12 men and women charged with the offence of being involved in a criminal organisation.

The former South Adelaide footballer - who played 17 league games - and host of Channel 9's Building Ideas TV program was arrested along with his wife, Kylie.

The arrests were among 34 across the nation following a series of simultaneous raids in South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland on Wednesday.

Thirteen men and women appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court yesterday charged with being involved in a criminal organisation, including the syndicate's alleged ringleader, 41-year-old Storm Alexander Strang.
Clayton Lush

Clayton Lush and his wife, Kylie, were both arrested

He appeared in court with a badly blackened right eye and swollen face, and was remanded in custody along with the other 12 co-accused ahead of a decision on bail next week.

Prosecutor Mikala Ballard opposed the release on bail of any of the group, arguing that those charged were at risk of interfering with witnesses or evidence as well as being a flight risk.

Ms Ballard said the syndicate had been operating since at least 2008, and that each of those charged had played their own role in the growing, distribution and sale of cannabis.

"The defendants have the means to abscond given that of the $1.5 million coming into the state, only about $200,000 has been recovered," she said.

Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Bolton ordered home detention reports for each of the accused and remanded them in custody until next week.

Ms Ballard said a further 27 homes were searched yesterday and that more raids and arrests were possible in the coming days.

SA Police seized 10kg of cannabis, 171 plants, 56g of cocaine, a variety of steroids and nearly $200,000 in cash.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Dickson said the alleged syndicate members were the first people to be charged with involvement in a criminal organisation under legislation enacted last year.

"These laws, designed to target individuals who support criminal organisations, provide jail terms of up to 15 years," he said.



Those arrested in South Australia:

* 23-year-old man from Flagstaff Hill

* 28-year-old man from Salisbury East

* 42-year-old man from Salisbury East

* 41-year-old man from St Peters

* 39-year-old woman from St Peters

* 38-year-old man from Flinders Park

* 32-year-old woman from Flinders Park

* 42-year-old man from Klemzig

* 28-year-old man from Wynn Vale

* 27-year-old woman from Wynn Vale

* 35-year-old woman from Glynde

* 33-year-old man from Marden

* 29-year-old woman from Marden

* 43-year-old man from Highbury

* 51-year-old man from Maylands

* 49-year-old woman from Maylands



THE POLICE CASE

> Police say the group produced 1.5 million street deals of cannabis in the past 12 months.

> The value of cannabis produced over four years is estimated at $40 million. .

> The syndicate is alleged to have started in 2008. Operation Scarlett was launched in August 2012.

> Police seized $250,000 in assets, including four jet skis, two ski boats, six vehicles and four motorbikes. They also seized across SA, WA and Queensland: 32kg of dried cannabis, 177 cannabis plants, more than $450,000 cash and arrested 34 people.

> In South Australia

Police seized 10kg of cannabis, 171 cannabis plants, 56g of cocaine, and almost $200,000 cash.

And 69 homes and businesses searched and 16 people arrested.

 

[poledriver]

Australian man faces drug charges in Philippines

An Australian man and three Britons have been ordered to face trial in the Philippines after they were allegedly found possessing a cannabis product.

The four men - including 19-year-old Australian man Arthur Murray Nash - were arrested in the capital Manila on January 13 and have since been in custody.

Hashish and pieces of rolling paper were reportedly confiscated from the accused when arrested, but they denied being in possession of the drug.

The Australian and the Britons allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine use in a subsequent drug check.

They face life imprisonment if found guilty of the charges.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-02/australian-man-faces-drug-charges-in-philippines/4497410

 

[poledriver]

Dogs detect drugs at Above and Beyond music event

A Passive Alert Detection (PAD) dog operation at the Above & Beyond music event, held at Hisense Arena in Melbourne last night, has resulted in 36 people being arrested for drug offences.

Of the 36 people arrested, 32 were referred to a drug diversion program, one received a cannabis caution, one received a summons and two were charged and bailed.

Drugs seized at the event included ecstasy, amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, GHB and MDMA.

Senior Sergeant Mark Pilkington said police were concerned that despite the warnings, a large number of people continue to attend these events in possession of drugs.

"These drugs are extremely dangerous. They are manufactured by criminals and therefore people have no idea what they are taking or the real risks involved,” S/Sgt Pilkington said.

“We will continue to police these events in an attempt to minimise the risk to those using these illicit drugs."

http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/mor...ct-drugs-at-above-and-beyond-music-event.html

 

[poledriver]

Man charged over alleged drug supply - Cobar

Police from Darling River Local Area Command executed a search warrant on a home in Cobar yesterday resulting in the arrest of two men.

About 9am (Monday, February 4, 2013), local police, with the assistance of the Tactical Operation Unit, State Protective Support Unit, Negotiators, Dog Unit and the Communications Group, attended a home on Cornish Street, Cobar.

Police entered the home and arrested two men, aged 43 and 27, then conducted an extensive search of the residence.

Police will allege they located 1.4kg of cannabis, a large commercial quantity of LSD, and over $10,500 in cash.

Officers will also allege they located and seized numerous drug supply paraphernalia, together with knives and prohibited weapons.

The men were taken to Cobar Police Station where the 43-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drugs, deal with the proceeds of crime, and other offences relating to the use of a drug premises.

He was refused bail and will appear in Brewarrina Local Court today.

The 27-year-old man was charged with breaching current bail conditions and will also appear in Brewarrina Local Court today.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI4MzM1Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[poledriver]

Guns, drugs sent by mail

A man and a woman have been charged by police after allegedly trying to receive a package of guns and drugs in the mail.

The pair, both aged 30, were arrested in Belmore on Tuesday after detectives intercepted a package at a courier company in Olympic Park.

Police said the package contained a .357 Magnum revolver with six rounds of ammunition, a C2 semi-automatic 9mm pistol and 15 grams of methamphetamine, also known as ice.

Detectives from Surry Hills Region Enforcement Squad formed Strike Force Fitzell in October last year to investigate the supply of cocaine and ecstasy in the St George and Hurstville areas.

Police said they learned two handguns had been mailed from Queensland to a business in Moorebank, and they intercepted that package at the courier company on Monday.

The man and woman were arrested on Tuesday on Harp Street in Belmore.

Officers then raided a home on Coolangatta Road in Beverly Hills and at a business on Deadman Road in Moorebank.

Police allegedly found 1000 ecstasy pills at the Beverley Hills home and a rifle at the Moorebank business.

The man and woman have been charged with two counts of the unauthorised possession of a prohibited pistol, using mail to send firearms and supplying prohibited drugs.

The pair was refused bail to appear in Sutherland Local Court on Wednesday.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/guns-drugs-sent-by-mail-20130206-2dx72.html

 

[poledriver]

'Crop sitter" gets parole for water tank plantation

A TOOWOOMBA man who was a "crop sitter" for a 51-plant marijuana crop growing inside an industrial water tank will be subject to random drug testing for the next 18 months.

Roofer Mitchell David Arnold, 26, had leased the Thackeray St site for his then business, Toowoomba District Court heard.

However, when the business failed, "other people" had agreed to make the lease payments in return for implementing a sophisticated hydroponic marijuana growing operation in the tank.

Police suspicions were raised when the site's water meter recorded high readings, Crown prosecutor Kathleen Millican told the court.

A police raid on the property on February 16 last year found the elaborate crop-growing system.

Ms Millican said the total weight of cannabis found was 41kg and investigators estimated that the cost of setting up such a sophisticated system was about $48,000.

Arnold, who had no relevant previous criminal history, pleaded guilt to producing and possessing marijuana and possessing "things" for growing it.

His barrister Steve Kissick told the court his client had merely been the "crop sitter" and the only benefit he obtained from the operation was that he was permitted to smoke as much of the drug as he wanted.

His client had been a heavy marijuana smoker at the time and had been going through a range of life difficulties.

Arnold was now off drugs and was working and studying, he said.

Judge Nick Samios accepted Arnold was the crop sitter and that the psychological condition he had at the time had impaired his judgment.

He sentenced Arnold to 18 months jail but ordered he be released forthwith on parole.

http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/parole-for-drug-crop-minder-toowoomba/1744444/

 

[poledriver]

Media Release: Three men charged in joint investigation into Qld crime syndicate

Three men have been charged with conspiracy to possess a commercial quantity of cocaine as part of a joint Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Crime Commission (ACC) investigation.

Operation Denney began six months ago when the ACC and the AFP launched a multijurisdictional major crime investigation into an organised crime syndicate operating from the Gold Coast.

It will be alleged that during the investigation, the syndicate conspired in an attempt to purchase 20kg of cocaine. It is also alleged that this conspiracy extended further to ongoing and significant monthly purchases of cocaine.

AFP and ACC officers conducted a controlled operation yesterday (6 February 2013), where syndicate members were arrested after allegedly attempting to possess one kilogram of cocaine.

The AFP will allege in court that the men took control of the cocaine and agreed to pay approximately $180,000.

It will be further alleged that the men attempted to purchase the cocaine to distribute it throughout Queensland.

Additional search warrants were conducted in the Brisbane and Gold Coast suburbs of Currumbin Waters, Currumbin Valley, Darra and Everton Park.

A 45-year-old Currumbin Waters man was charged with:

Conspiracy to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, reasonably suspected of being unlawfully imported, pursuant to section 307.8 by virtue of section 11.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
Attempt to possess a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, reasonably suspected of being unlawfully imported pursuant to section 307.9 by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
A 30-year-old Everton Park man and a 38-year-old Darra man were charged with:

Conspiracy to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, reasonably suspected of being unlawfully imported, pursuant to section 307.8 by virtue of section 11.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
ACC National Manager Intervention Warren Gray said this result was significant in the fight against organised crime.

“Collaboration and the use of intelligence has been critical to this operation and has made Australia a more hostile place for those seeking to import and sell illicit substances,” Mr Gray said.

AFP Manager Crime Operations Response Jennifer Hurst said keeping drugs out of the community was a key priority for the AFP.

“This investigation clearly demonstrates the ongoing successes the AFP and its partner agencies are having in dismantling and disrupting organised criminal syndicates operating in Australia,” Commander Hurst said.

“The AFP is committed to doing everything possible to prevent harm to the community that the importation and distribution of these illicit drugs causes.”

All men have been refused bail to reappear in court today (7 February 2013). The 45-year-old Currumbin Waters man is scheduled to appear in Southport Magistrates court. The other two men are scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court.

The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment and/or a $1.275 million fine.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...t-investigation-into-Qld-crime-syndicate.aspx

 

[poledriver]

Media Release: Couple charged with importing steroids, drugs and a weapon

A 20-year-old Ninderry man and a 21-year-old Mt Isa woman will face court after being charged with the unlawful importation of steroids, a drug precursor and a weapon.
The couple was arrested yesterday (Sunday, 10 February 2013) at the Brisbane International Airport after Australian Customs and Border Protection Service officers identified suspect items while conducting routine baggage inspections.

During the inspection it is alleged a Taser, a number of marked vials of steroids and an additional bottle containing an unknown liquid were found. Presumptive testing of the liquid indicated the presence of pseudoephedrine.

All of these items are prohibited imports for individuals.

Officers from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the man, who was subsequently charged with:
• Unlawful Importation – Section 233 BAB Customs Act 1901
• Import Quantity of Border Controlled Precursor – Section 307.12 Commonwealth Criminal Code 1995
• Special Offence relating to Tier 1 Goods – Section 233BAA Customs Act 1901
• Fail to Declare – Section 234(1)(d)(i) Customs Act 1901

The woman was issued with a Notice to Appear in respect of:
• Two counts of Possession of Controlled Precursor – Section 308.2 Commonwealth Criminal Code 1995
• Smuggling and unlawful importation – Section 233(1)(b) Customs Act 1901.

The maximum penalty for these offences is 15 years imprisonment or fines of up to $510,000 or both.

AFP National Manager Aviation Shane Connelly said that the AFP and its partner agencies continue to work together to intercept illegal items at Australian airports.
“Passengers should always consider the legality of bringing into Australia items purchased overseas. Just because it is freely available in another country doesn’t mean that is legal here,” Assistant Commissioner Connelly said.

Customs and Border Protection National Manager Airport Operations North, Craig Sommerville, said the arrest sent a clear message to people tempted to smuggle goods across Australia’s border.
“If you are caught trying to smuggle an item in breach of Australian law, there is a very good chance Customs and Border Protection will catch you and you will face the consequences,” Mr Sommerville said.
The man appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court today. The woman will appear in court on 29 March 2013.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...th-importing-steroids-drugs-and-a-weapon.aspx

 

[poledriver]

Woman charged with selling cigarettes - Blacktown

A woman was arrested and charged today with selling cigarettes at a market in Blacktown after she was found in possession of more than 2700 packets.

Police from the North West Metropolitan Region Operation Countdown commenced investigations into the supply of illegally obtained cigarettes after receiving reports of many thefts since the latter part of last year.

About 9.45am today (Sunday 10 February 2013) officers attended a market on Cricketers Arms Road at Blacktown.

The detectives will allege that they were offered cigarettes by the woman operating the stall and as a result conducted a search of the stall and her vehicle.

In all 2799 packets of cigarettes, of various brands, were located with an estimated value of $65,000.

They also seized 18 bags of tobacco with an estimated value of $800 and commenced inquiries to locate ownership of the products.

About 10.25am the 33-year-old Bonnyrigg woman was arrested and taken to Blacktown Police Station where she was charged with sell tobacco product by retail from booth/tent.

She has been granted conditional bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court 28 February 2013.

Inquiries into the matter continue.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI4NDY4Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[poledriver]

Bong, scales and marijuana found during police raid

USING an iced coffee bottle as a bong and possessing dangerous drugs landed Liam David Thomas in front of Hervey Bay Magistrates Court.

Thomas' Booral home was raided on January 17 with police executing a search warrant at his address.

They discovered an iced coffee bottle which had been made into a bong to smoke illicit drugs, along with a plastic bowl which contained 14 grams of marijuana.

Another bowl had "green leafy material" in it.

Thomas also had scales which he admitted he used to weigh the marijuana.

The 40-year-old ran a landscaping business and used the substance to help him sleep, the court heard.

He had a previous history of drug offences but he had not touched the stuff since the day the police raided his home, he told the court.

Magistrate Graeme Tatnell said there were claims that marijuana helped with sleep, relaxation or pain relief, but it was important to remember it was still an illegal substance.

Thomas was fined $1000.

http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/news/1000-fine-for-drug-find/1749039/

 

[poledriver]

Customs staff accused of conspiring to import precursor chemicals for drugs

CUSTOMS staff allegedly conspired with a baggage handler at Australia's busiest airport to remove suitcases packed with drugs from the rear of planes and bypass official checks.

The Sydney Airport corruption scandal embroiling border protection authorities escalated yesterday, with another five people arrested - including the first Customs supervisor.

More than 100 Australian Federal Police executed 15 search warrants across Sydney, taking the total number arrested from the two-year drug importation operation to 17 people.

A Customs officer, 40, of Kingsgrove, was arrested while a colleague, 38, of Blacktown, was charged, with police expressing concern one was a supervisor who allegedly redirected resources and monitored CCTV footage to orchestrate the cover import.

The pair was allegedly aided by an Earlwood man, 30, and a former baggage handler from Petersham, 29, who allegedly acted as associates of the Customs staff in the criminal syndicate. Both of these men appeared in court yesterday.

The foursome's charges include abuse of public office, conspiracy to import commercial quantities of precursor chemicals, giving and receiving bribes and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

Another man, 35, of Oxley Park, a brother of one of the Customs officers, was charged with dealing with proceeds of crime.

Police maintain the issue is still confined to Sydney Airport, with the new charges relating to four separate importations of pseudoephedrine on March 9 and June 4, 5 and 6 last year.

However, they admit the Customs officers had been employed for "a number of years".

Police allege the Customs officers had the baggage handler remove the suitcases containing drugs from the rear of the plane and avoid normal processing.

AFP Commissioner Tony Negus said the baggage handler, once collecting the suitcases from the plane, transported them off the airport precinct. He declined to name their employer.

Mr Negus said the allegation "that a supervisor was involved in this process is of certainly concern''.

In the final instance, police allege they seized 40 kilograms of pseudoephedrine from Vietnam - capable of making 28kg of ice worth up to $9.5 million - after being helped by several Customs staff.

Mr Negus said he was confident of more arrests.

''This investigation remains ongoing," Mr Negus said.

''Further arrests are expected. Every time we make one of these arrests more information comes to light."

Customs and Border Protection acting chief executive officer Michael Pezzullo said other staff were dismayed at the developments, saying they were determined to stamp out bad behaviour.

"There is overwhelming support ... generally across the service to stamp this activity out," he said.

The haul of 17 arrests includes four Customs officers, one from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, three others and nine drug couriers.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...micals-for-drugs/story-fncvk70o-1226576523227

 

[poledriver]

Office party goes to pot

A WORKER at a Queensland employment agency allegedly took a tray of marijuana-laced muffins to a farewell party for a colleague, who had accepted a redundancy, last week - with unfortunate results.


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The 42-year-old woman, who had also taken a voluntary redundancy, allegedly took the home-baked treats to the office morning tea last Wednesday at the Noosa branch of Employment Services Queensland.

Within hours of the morning tea for the company's departing site manager, the woman's co-workers started falling ill.

One woman, who collapsed and fell unconscious, was taken by ambulance to hospital. Another woman rushed to see her GP, suffering from nausea.

Employment Services Queensland general manager Chris Hamilton said a number of staff members became unwell after eating the muffins.

''They progressively became more unwell over a period of hours,'' Mr Hamilton said.


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''Obviously the [muffins] were nice enough that people had a couple each. The lady who was hospitalised had two, I believe, so she probably ingested enough substance to make her quite unwell.''

Mr Hamilton said office morning teas would continue at the agency despite the concerning incident. ''You could be very risk-averse about this, but … the likelihood of something occurring like this in the future it's very, very low,'' he said.

The 42-year-old woman has been charged with one count of supplying and possessing a dangerous drug.

http://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/1298038/office-party-goes-to-pot/?cs=7

 

[poledriver]

Media Release: Man charged for importing heroin in suitcase

This is a joint media release with the Australian Federal Police and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

A 31-year-old Polish citizen is scheduled to appear in Sydney Central Local Court charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with importing approximately two kilograms of heroin into Australia.

Acting on intelligence Australian Customs and Border Protection Service officers stopped the man for questioning when he arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Madagascar last night (12 February 2013).

It is alleged that during a targeted search of the man’s suitcase, Australian Customs and Border Protection officers found a dark-coloured wrapping secreted inside the suitcase. Initial testing indicated the presence of heroin.

The man was referred to the AFP and was subsequently charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to section 307.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the seized substance.

The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment and/or a $850,000 fine.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...charged-for-importing-heroin-in-suitcase.aspx

 

[poledriver]

Man charged with selling illegal drugs - Rushcutters Bay

Police have charged a man with selling illegal drugs following a covert investigation in Sydney’s east.

Detectives from Kings Cross Local Area Command formed Strike Force Malley late last year to investigate the illegal supply of cocaine and other drugs within the area.

During the investigation, police will allege an undercover officer was sold cocaine worth more than $12,500 on four separate occasions during January and February this year.

The investigation culminated today (Friday 15 February) with the arrest of a 57-year-old man at a restaurant bar on McLachlan Avenue in Rushcutters Bay.

Police then executed a search warrant at the restaurant where they allegedly seized cash, small quantities of cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and drug paraphernalia including scales and packaging.

The man from Rushcutters Bay was taken to Kings Cross Police Station and interviewed by detectives.

He has been charged with a number of offences including five counts of supplying prohibited drugs and seven counts of the possession of illegal drugs.

The man has been refused bail and is set to appear at Parramatta Local Court tomorrow.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI4NTgyLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[poledriver]

Drug seizure (GHB) - Darwin

A 23-year-old woman is to appear in the Darwin Magistrates Court next month following a search at an apartment complex in Darwin.

Senior Constable Brendon Hogan from the Drug and Organised Crime Squad said during the search of an apartment in November, Police seized a plastic juice bottle containing a clear liquid.

“Forensics testing has identified the liquid as 57.84 grams of 4-Hydroxybutanoic Acid, also known as GHB,” Senior Constable Hogan said.

“The woman was charged with possession of a trafficable quantity of a schedule 2 dangerous drug and bailed to appear in court 28 March 2013.

“GHB is quite a dangerous drug, as the core ingredient, is an industrial strength solvent.

“I urge people not to use this drug as its side effects can be deadly. The drug is extremely toxic and acts as a hallucinogenic and can lead to vomiting, unconsciousness and even, in extreme cases, death.

“The amount located in the bottle, if sold, could have a street value of up to $5,000.”

http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Media-Centre/Media-releases/2013/February/15/Drug-seizure-Darwin.aspx