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

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Three arrested following drug supply investigation - Surry Hills RES

Investigators have arrested and charged three men following a seven month investigation into commercial drug supply in Sydney’s east and south.

In November 2012, detectives from the Surry Hills Region Enforcement Squad formed Strike Force Shear to investigate the supply of MDMA (ecstasy) in the Eastern Suburbs and St George areas.

About 7am today (Thursday 27 June 2013), officers executed simultaneous search warrants at properties in Parramatta, Hurstville Grove and Bexley.

At the property in Parramatta, police arrested a 26-year-old man. He was taken to Parramatta Police Station and charged with numerous offences, including:

• Supply large commercial quantity of MDMA;

• Supply indictable quantity of MDMA;

• Ongoing supply of MDMA;

• Supply Nexus (synthetic MDMA), and;

• Possess indictable quantity of cocaine.

He was refused bail and appeared in Parramatta Local Court earlier today (Thursday 27 June 2013).

At the house in Hurstville Grove, officers arrested a 22-year-old man and charged him with two counts of supply commercial quantity of MDMA. He was bail refused and is scheduled to appear in Sutherland Local Court tomorrow (Friday 28 June 2013).

At the unit in Bexley, police arrested a 23-year-old man. He was taken to St George Police Station and charged with:

• Three counts of supply indictable quantity of cannabis;

• Supply indictable quantity of MDMA, and;

• Supply indictable quantity of methorphan.

The 23-year-old was refused bail to appear in Kogarah Local Court tomorrow.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjMxMDQ1Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=



In a separate raid later yesterday a 35-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were arrested over the supply of methylamphetamines in Sydney’s south.

Detectives from Hurstville formed Strike Force Daegen in January to investigate the supply of ‘ice’ in the Beverly Hills area.

Police including the Public Order and Riot Squad searched a house in Dennis Place and allegedly uncovered ice, cannabis and cash as well as jewellery, handbags and sunglasses.

The man was charged with the two counts of supply and possession of a prohibited drug and will appear in Sutherland Local Court next month.

The woman was charged with six counts of supply of a prohibited drug and for the ongoing supply of prohibited drugs and will appear in Sutherland Local Court today.

Hurstville police attached to Strike Force Daegen are continuing investigations with more charges expected to be laid.


Read more: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/na...gs/story-fnii5qqu-1226671162569#ixzz2XSOioG71
 
Synthetic drugs in evidence bags are seen during a press conference at DEA Headquarters on June 26, 2013 in Arlington, Virginia. The DEA and its law enforcement partners announced the largest ever synthetic drug takedown taking place throughout the United States and abroad. (AFP/Mandel Ngan)

Washington. US officials announced the largest-ever bust of a global synthetic drugs ring Wednesday, seizing thousands of pounds of illicit drugs and arresting 225 people in five countries.

Authorities seized up to 3,300 pounds (1,500 kilograms) of “dangerous designer synthetic drugs” that were manufactured in Asia, notably China and India, and trafficked to the United States and Australia, where dealers sold them to youths and young adults, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said.

The DEA described Project Synergy, which began last December but culminated Wednesday when most of the arrests were made, as the largest synthetic designer drug bust in law enforcement history.”

The drugs are part of a swelling group of illicit compounds that traffickers have begun marketing in the West in recent years, often attempting to skirt laws by barely modifying the chemical makeup of products like incense, bath salts or jewelry cleaner.

The drugs — synthetic cannibinoids that can provide a marijuana-like high, or synthetic cathinones that are stimulant hallucinogens — are marketed under brand names like “Spice,” “K2,” “Vanilla Sky” or “Bliss” and sold in colorful, youth-oriented packaging, often with comic book characters on the cover.

US officials say abuse of the drugs can lead to vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, high blood pressure, organ damage and loss of consciousness.

Several overdoses, mainly of people between age 12 and 29, have led to emergency room visits and even deaths, the DEA said.

“The bottom line is that these drugs are being marketed to the most vulnerable part of our society, which is teenagers and young adults,” DEA chief of operations James Capra told reporters in announcing the bust.

He said millions of dollars in profits from the drug trafficking were being funneled to groups in the Middle East. While Capra would not be drawn on exactly which groups were involved, citing the ongoing investigation, he strongly hinted that terror networks were involved.

“You have this convergence out there, more so today than ever before, of terror groups funding their operations through the sale of narcotics around the globe,” Capra said.

Officials highlighted the international nature of the operation, particularly the involvement of agents in Australia, where the synthetic drugs have been marketed.

The seizure “is a terrific result for law enforcement agencies across the globe,” said Australia’s Acting Ambassador to the United States Graham Fletcher.

Agence France-Presse http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/us-makes-largest-ever-bust-of-global-synthetic-drug-ring/
 
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Forget crime shows, real life scarier in CQ’s Harbour City

WHEN it comes to the drug world, there are no rules.

The recent murder trial of two Rockhampton drug addicts made this very clear, painting a scary picture of the insidious underground drug trade in Central Queensland, particularly Gladstone.

Just under the surface of the Harbour City, an evil lurks.

Money and drugs are exchanged in the dead of night, weekly "meth cooks" replace backyard barbecues and if you slip up, you'd better watch your back.

Luke McAuliffe learnt this the hard way.

The young man's life was cut short when Kerryn Ann Young and Bradley David Hill delivered a lethal dose of heroin to his Gladstone home in 2010.

Within 10 minutes of injecting it, he was dead.

Luke was a meth addict, who, at the time of his death, was consuming almost $1000 worth of the substance a day.

While his death was certainly tragic and undeserving, his trial provided an insight into the dangerous world he inhabited.

Better judgment is clouded by a desperate desire to guarantee your next fix.

On the night of Luke's death, he knew people were out to get him. He knew the risks of injecting a syringe he didn't prepare himself or see prepared.

But he did it anyway.

During the trial, the jury was often asked to accept that vulgar language, death threats, violence and dysfunctional relationships were "normal" to these people.

Hill and Young, Luke's longtime mates, were the last people he would have expected to hand him his death. But in this world, even your best friend can soon become your worst enemy.

In court, dishevelled witnesses struggled to recount events, claiming they were "off their heads" 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for years at a time.

The effects of substance abuse were paraded before

the jury - psychosis, relationship breakdowns, battles for child custody, 20-something-year-olds, who looked more like they were 40.

And while it is clear Gladstone is quickly becoming the centre of the region's drug trade, the reaches of its network are wide.

Many of the self-confessed drug addicts, who took to the witness stand, were from Rockhampton.

Some witnesses were hand-cuffed, brought in from prison for the day.

Luke's death led to a police operation targetting the illegal drug trade in Gladstone, which started in February 2011.

Codenamed Juliet Hoodoo, it concluded in June 2011 and saw five people charged with 11 drug-related offences.

But the operation has resulted in ongoing investigations.

Even as the shocking details of Luke's murder were revealed, the trafficking of dangerous drugs continued to peddle its misery in central Queensland.

Two men were charged with drug trafficking, after their vehicle was intercepted in Gladstone on June 5.

The same day, Young and Hill were found guilty of Luke's murder in the Supreme Court in Rockhampton.

The pair was sentenced to life imprisonment.

It was a small victory for the Queensland Police, for Luke's family and for the Central Queensland community.

But all three are now accountable - to take what has been learnt by Luke's death and use it in a positive way. To maybe save another young man's life.

http://www.themorningbulletin.com.a...er-the-surface-forget-tv-crime-shows/1925742/
 
Media release: Man charged with importing 8kgs of cocaine

A 50-year-old US national will appear in the Sydney Central Local Court today charged with importing approximately eight kilograms of cocaine.

The man arrived at the Sydney Airport on a flight from Auckland yesterday (Thursday, 27 June) and was selected by Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) officers for a baggage examination.

The officers x-rayed the man’s suitcases and noticed anomalies in their bases. They further examined the bases of the suitcases and noticed they were covered in a black resin and a foam-like substance.

Presumptive testing of the suitcases showed positive results for cocaine.

The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) who charged the man with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance.
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment and/or a $1,275,000 fine.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...n-charged-with-importing-8kgs-of-cocaine.aspx
 
Ecstasy seized, man charged - CBD

A man is due to appear in court today charged after allegedly being caught with drugs in the CBD this morning.

Police from The Rocks were patrolling near a nightclub in Slip Street, Sydney, shortly before 12.30am today (Saturday 29 June 2013) when they noticed a man get into a Toyota Corolla parked nearby.

Acting on information, officers approached the car and spoke with the man. When the vehicle was searched they allegedly located more than 60 capsules believed to contain MDMA (ecstasy).

The 18-year-old man was arrested and taken to The Rocks Police Station.

A search warrant was executed on his home in St Johns Park about 7.30am today, during which police seized white powder alleged to also be ecstasy.

The man has been charged with two counts of supply an indictable quality of a prohibited drug and two counts of possess a prohibited drug.

He was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Bail Court today.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjMxMDc3Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
Three arrested in Sydney over 200kg ice and heroin haul

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Three men have been arrested in Sydney as part of an operation that has seized more than 200 kilograms of ice and heroin, thought to be worth $50 million.

Yesterday police carried out searches in six Sydney suburbs around the west and inner west, arresting a 39-year-old at Homebush and a 26-year-old at Strathfield.

They are both accused of manufacturing drugs while a third man, another 39-year-old from Campsie, allegedly imported heroin into the country.

The men were remanded in custody in court yesterday and will return to court today.

The investigation into gun and drug trafficking called Strike Force Ballista began in May last year, headed by the NSW Police Asian Crime Squad and the NSW Crime Commission.

It was looking at a high-level organised crime network involved in drug and gun trafficking.

In February this year, investigators teamed up with others from the Australian Crime Commission, federal police and Customs.

Last month they uncovered 150 kilograms of ice and 69 kilograms of heroin and arrested two men.

NSW Police Force Organised Crime Director, Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Scott Cook says a large amount of drugs and weapons have been removed from the community.

"These results were only achieved through the close co-operation between the various law enforcement agencies, and we will continue to build on those relationships," he said in a statement.

"Together with our partners, the Asian Crime Squad continues to adapt to the changing criminal environment to ensure those participating in organised crime are arrested and put before the courts."

Police say drug precursors valued at $1.2 million and more than $100,000 cash have also been seized, and a total of 17 people have been arrested.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-10/three-arrested-in-sydney-over-200kg-drug-haul/4810450


JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Three arrested following joint-agency investigation into drug importation and manufacture

A joint-agency operation which has seized more than 200kg of illicit drugs resulted in the arrests of three people in Sydney yesterday.

The NSW Police Force Asian Crime Squad established Strike Force Ballista in partnership with the NSW Crime Commission in May last year to investigate a high-level organised crime network with links to drug and gun trafficking.

Meanwhile, the Australian Crime Commission’s Project Anakim commenced investigating the members of an organised criminal syndicate involved in the importation and distribution of drugs in February 2013.

Close liaison between the agencies revealed a convergence between the two operations, with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service also collaborating once the planned importation of drugs was identified.

Yesterday (Tuesday 9 July 2013), officers executed search warrants at Homebush, Strathfield, St Peters, Homebush West, Marrickville and Campsie, and arrested three men.

A 39-year-old man arrested at Homebush was charged with aid and abet manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) and accessory before the fact to supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) contrary to the Drug Misuse & Trafficking Act 1985.

A 26-year-old man arrested at Strathfield was charged with two counts of knowingly take part in the manufacture of prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) contrary to the Drug Misuse & Trafficking Act 1985.

A 39-year-old man from Campsie was charged with import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely Heroin, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995; and attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely Heroin, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The first two men were refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today, while the third man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.

This operation follows the seizure of 150kg of methylamphetamine (‘ice’) and 69kg of heroin, the dismantling of a clandestine drug laboratory and the arrests of two men in late June.

Prior to that, Strike Force Ballista officers had arrested 12 people and seized firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs and precursor drugs during operations targeting two separate criminal syndicates in early June.

In total, 15 firearms, more than 200kg of illicit drugs with an estimated wholesale value of $50 million, drug precursors valued at $1.2 million, and more than $100,000 cash have been seized.

Seventeen people have now been arrested and charged with more than 50 offences.

NSW Police Force Organised Crime Director, Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Scott Cook, praised all officers involved in the investigation whose hard work and commitment had ensured large amounts of drugs and weapons were removed from the community.

“These results were only achieved through the close co-operation between the various law enforcement agencies, and we will continue to build on those relationships,” Det A/Ch Supt Cook said.

“Together with our partners, the Asian Crime Squad continues to adapt to the changing criminal environment to ensure those participating in organised crime are arrested and put before the courts.”

Assistant Commissioner Bob Inkster from the NSW Crime Commission said the operation was another clear example of the effectiveness of the multi-agency approach of combating organised crime in this state.

“This approach will continue to be a formidable hurdle to organised crime,” Assistant Commissioner Inkster said.

Australian Crime Commission National Manager Investigations, Richard Grant, said the recent seizures and arrests were a significant success in the fight against serious and organised crime and should be attributed to the collaborative work of the agencies involved.

“Each agency came together seamlessly and worked collaboratively to attack a high threat criminal syndicate,” Mr Grant said.

“Seventeen arrests and more than 200kg of illicit drugs seized is an extremely positive outcome, and will make Australia a more hostile place for those seeking to import and sell illicit substances.”

AFP Manager Serious and Organised Crime David Sharpe said law enforcement partnerships and multi-agency cooperation are critical in identifying and disrupting organised crime syndicates targeting Australia.

“This investigation and the seizure of $50 million worth of narcotics shows how organised crime syndicates will work and evolve to exploit any opportunity to import drugs into Australia,” Commander Sharpe said.

“Partnerships between foreign and international law enforcement agencies are crucial in combating these groups. The AFP will also seek to use its Confiscation of Criminal Assets Team to find and confiscate the wealth accumulated in Australia by these groups, further crippling their ability to operate here.”

Australian Customs and Border Protection Service Acting National Manager Enforcement Operations Neil Sugget said the Service has the intelligence and the capability to target organised crime at and before the border.

“Our highly-skilled officers are committed to stopping people who try to breach the integrity of our border,” Mr Sugget said.

“The work they do on a daily basis plays a vital role in disrupting criminal activity.”

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjMxMjUyLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
Police say cannabis crop worth $3.7 million

4811974-3x2-940x627.jpg


A man remains in custody on the state's north coast today after police seized a cannabis crop worth more than $3.5 million.

A property at Bottle Creek, west of Casino, was raided earlier this week.

Police say they found 130 kilograms of head and leaf, and more than 560 plants being grown hydroponically .

Fifty seven year-old Ian Munn has been charged with numerous offences, including supply of a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.

He did not apply for bail and the case has been adjourned until next month.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-10/drug-haul/4811890
 
Media Release: Three arrested following joint-agency investigation into drug importation and manufacture

This is a joint release between the AFP, New South Wales Police, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Australian Crime Commission and the New South Wales Crime Commission.

A joint-agency operation which has seized more than 200kg of illicit drugs resulted in the arrests of three people in Sydney yesterday.

The NSW Police Force Asian Crime Squad established Strike Force Ballista in partnership with the NSW Crime Commission in May last year to investigate a high-level organised crime network with links to drug and gun trafficking.

Meanwhile, the Australian Crime Commission’s Project Anakim commenced investigating the members of an organised criminal syndicate involved in the importation and distribution of drugs in February 2013.

Close liaison between the agencies revealed a convergence between the two operations, with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service also collaborating once the planned importation of drugs was identified.

Yesterday (Tuesday 9 July 2013), officers executed search warrants at Homebush, Strathfield, St Peters, Homebush West, Marrickville and Campsie, and arrested three men.

A 39-year-old man arrested at Homebush was charged with aid and abet manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) and accessory before the fact to supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) contrary to the Drug Misuse & Trafficking Act 1985.

A 26-year-old man arrested at Strathfield was charged with two counts of knowingly take part in the manufacture of prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) contrary to the Drug Misuse & Trafficking Act 1985.

A 39-year-old man from Campsie was charged with import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely Heroin, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995; and attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely Heroin, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The first two men were refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today, while the third man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.

This operation follows the seizure of 150kg of methylamphetamine (‘ice’) and 69kg of heroin, the dismantling of a clandestine drug laboratory and the arrests of two men in late June.

Prior to that, Strike Force Ballista officers had arrested 12 people and seized firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs and precursor drugs during operations targeting two separate criminal syndicates in early June.

In total, 15 firearms, more than 200kg of illicit drugs with an estimated wholesale value of $50 million, drug precursors valued at $1.2 million, and more than $100,000 cash have been seized.

Seventeen people have now been arrested and charged with more than 50 offences.

NSW Police Force Organised Crime Director, Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Scott Cook, praised all officers involved in the investigation whose hard work and commitment had ensured large amounts of drugs and weapons were removed from the community.

“These results were only achieved through the close co-operation between the various law enforcement agencies, and we will continue to build on those relationships,” Det A/Ch Supt Cook said.

“Together with our partners, the Asian Crime Squad continues to adapt to the changing criminal environment to ensure those participating in organised crime are arrested and put before the courts.”

Assistant Commissioner Bob Inkster from the NSW Crime Commission said the operation was another clear example of the effectiveness of the multi-agency approach of combating organised crime in this state.

“This approach will continue to be a formidable hurdle to organised crime,” Assistant Commissioner Inkster said.

Australian Crime Commission National Manager Investigations, Richard Grant, said the recent seizures and arrests were a significant success in the fight against serious and organised crime and should be attributed to the collaborative work of the agencies involved.

“Each agency came together seamlessly and worked collaboratively to attack a high threat criminal syndicate,” Mr Grant said.

“Seventeen arrests and more than 200kg of illicit drugs seized is an extremely positive outcome, and will make Australia a more hostile place for those seeking to import and sell illicit substances.”

AFP Manager Serious and Organised Crime David Sharpe said law enforcement partnerships and multi-agency cooperation are critical in identifying and disrupting organised crime syndicates targeting Australia.

“This investigation and the seizure of $50 million worth of narcotics shows how organised crime syndicates will work and evolve to exploit any opportunity to import drugs into Australia,” Commander Sharpe said.

“Partnerships between foreign and international law enforcement agencies are crucial in combating these groups. The AFP will also seek to use its Confiscation of Criminal Assets Team to find and confiscate the wealth accumulated in Australia by these groups, further crippling their ability to operate here.”

Australian Customs and Border Protection Service Acting National Manager Enforcement Operations Neil Sugget said the Service has the intelligence and the capability to target organised crime at and before the border.

“Our highly-skilled officers are committed to stopping people who try to breach the integrity of our border,” Mr Sugget said.

“The work they do on a daily basis plays a vital role in disrupting criminal activity.”

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...on-into-drug-importation-and-manufacture.aspx
 
Man's designated drug area at home lands him in court

A PALMVIEW man who had a "smoking room" in the shed in the back yard "to keep the drug activity out of the house" has been fined $800 for drug possession.

Police visited the home of Peter James Wakeford, 36, who took them on a "walk around" to reveal his various drug-use pastimes.

His activities included sessions with his mates where "he would shout them cones of cannabis, and they would smoke the cones in the smoking room", an admission which led to charges of supplying dangerous drugs.

Police also found 24 LSD tablets, which the Maroochydore Magistrates Court heard were for his personal use, as well as a grinder, metal box, scales and water pipes related to cannabis use.

Wakeford, who is qualified in politics, is hoping to work in the public service in international relations.

He pleaded guilty to several offences.

No conviction was recorded.

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/mans-designated-drug-area-home-lands-him-court/1956958/
 
Media Release: AFP seeking man over drug import syndicate

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is appealing for public assistance to locate a 30-year-old Melbourne man wanted in relation to his alleged involvement in a drug trafficking syndicate importing methamphetamine from the United States using the international mail system.

Ertgrei Gjeka is wanted in relation to Operation Tepper, a joint investigation involving the AFP and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) in May this year.

Between 23 March 2013 and 6 May 2013, ACBPS officers intercepted four mail items addressed to various locations in Melbourne. The mail items contained approximately 7.3 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The AFP has a warrant for the arrest of Ertgrei Gjeka, who is currently facing serious criminal charges relating to his alleged involvement in this drug importation.

Gjeka is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170 cm tall, solid build with brown eyes.

Gjeka most recently resided in the Tarneit suburb of Melbourne and is known to frequent nightclubs precincts in Prahran, South Melbourne and St Kilda.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...p-seeking-man-over-drug-import-syndicate.aspx
 
Cops find drug crop in ensuite

A CONNEWARRE man made $10,000 in six months by trafficking cannabis grown in his ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, a court has heard.

Alan Haigh, 45, pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates' Court yesterday to charges of trafficking, cultivating and possessing a drug of addiction.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Geoff Lamb said, at 7.55am yesterday, police executed a drug search warrant on Haigh's property.

"When asked if he had any drugs in the house, Haigh led police to the ensuite which had been converted into a hydroponic set-up where four large cannabis plants were growing under light shrouds," Sen-Constable Lamb said.

"Four smaller plants were growing in the walk-in robe."

He said police also found small bags containing ground cannabis and equipment and chemicals associated with a hydroponic set-up.

"He told police he began growing cannabis for his own use but then started trafficking it to make money," the prosecutor said.

"He also told police he had made $10,000 during the last six months through drug trafficking."

Defence lawyer Shane Balkin said his client had no priors and at 45 should have known better.

"He lives on a property at Connewarre, has animals and works as supermarket shelf filler at night," Mr Balkin said.

"He also receives some income from a rental property in Melbourne."

Mr Balkin said his client was shocked when police arrived at his property, but had co-operated fully with them and had not "mucked them around".

"Ending up in police custody is the new reality for him and he knows that if he chooses to continue dabbling in this stuff, jail is what awaits him," he said.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie convicted Haigh on all counts and sentenced him to three months' jail suspended for two years.

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2013/07/24/369880_news.html
 
Man charged after allegedly being found with $350,000 worth of cannabis - Penshurst

A man has been arrested and charged after he was allegedly found in possession of $350,000 worth of cannabis at Penshurst last night.

About 10pm, Thursday 25 July 2013, Traffic and Highway patrol officers from Hurstville were patrolling Forest Road when they sighted an unregistered black Hyundai.

The Hyundai was followed to Cambridge Street where the driver pulled into a unit complex, turned the car off and started to walk away.

The man was stopped and spoken to with a search of the car conducted.

During the search the man allegedly ran from police. He was chased to the rear yard of a home on Arcadia Street where he was arrested and taken to Hurstville Police Station.

A full search of the Hyundai was conducted with police allegedly locating approximately 45kg of cannabis contained in a number of plastic bags.

Police will allege the cannabis has an estimated potential street value of $350,000.

The 23-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity) and refused bail to appear in Central Local Court today (Friday 26 July 2013).

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjMxNDk5Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
Man charged after hydroponic cannabis cultivation discovered - Wollongong

A man has been charged after police conducted a search warrant and discovered a hydroponic cannabis setup in a house at Wollongong.

About 7:50pm last night (Thursday 25 July 2013), police attended a house in Loftus Street where they conducted a search warrant.

At the premises police allegedly located a small but sophisticated hydroponic cannabis setup inside a bedroom of the home.

A total of 16 cannabis plants as well as an amount of cannabis, LSD tablets and cash were seized during the search warrant.

A 26-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station where he was charged with cultivate prohibited plant and possess prohibited drug (x3).

He was granted conditional bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday 6 August 2013.

Investigations into the matter are continuing.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjMxNDk4Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
$1.2M in drugs located - Punchbowl

Police executing a search warrant in Sydney’s south west today located more than $1 million of cannabis.

Shortly before 8am today (Wednesday 24 July 2013), police from the State Crime Command’s Casino and Racing Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at a home in Moxon Road at Punchbowl.

Local officers from Wetherill Park and Bass Hill Region Enforcement Squad assisted with the operation also.

No one was present when the officers entered the premises.

Investigators will allege they located a sophisticated hydroponic setup throughout several rooms of the home.

Police seized 360 cannabis plants at various stages of maturity. They have an estimated potential street value of $1.2 million.

Investigators also located and seized more than 150 globes, shades and transformers.

Ten exhaust fans, carbon filters, plant growth chemicals, bottles and gloves were also located and taken for further forensic testing.

Police continue with their inquiries to locate those responsible for the hydroponic drug production.

Investigators have urged anyone with information about suspicious or unusual activity in the area to contact police.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjMxNDc1Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
Drug bust at Splendour before first note is struck

POLICE seized more than 500 grams of illegal drugs at the annual Splendour in the Grass music festival yesterday even before a band hit the stage.

Tweed Byron Local Area Command duty officer Acting Inspector Bill Darnell said at 11.35 am a vehicle approached campground gates at the North Byron Parklands festival site.

"A 21-year-old man who was a passenger in a white hiace van that was stopped at the gate jumped out of the passenger seat and began to walk away," he said.

Insp Darnell said a police dog indicated reason to search the man and he was allegedly found to be in possession of more than 100 ecstasy tablets.

The man was charged with deemed supply of a prohibited drug and granted conditional bail to appear at Byron Bay Local Court in September.

Insp Darnell said more than 60 people were detected with illegal drugs on the first day of the festival.

"On the first day there was over 60 drug detections resulting in more than 500 grams of drugs being seized."Insp Darnell said police issued 34 cannabis cautions and 23 court summons for alleged drug offences.

Splendour in the Grass continues at the North Byron Parklands festival site at Yelgun until Monday.

A large contingent of police will patrol the festival looking for drugs, anti-social and alcohol related behaviour until Monday.

http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/drug-bust-at-splendour-before-first-note-is-struck/1960373/
 
Drug Agency Swoops on US, Australia Ecstasy Supplier

Agents of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (BNN) have arrested a man on suspicion of supplying Benzodioxole, a chemical precursor used in the production of ecstasy pills, to Australia and the US.

“The total amount of precursor liquid we seized stood at 310 liters,” BNN chief Comr. Gen. Anang Iskandar said late Thursday night. “One liter of precursor liquid can produce some 10,000 pills. With this operation, BNN has scuttled the production of 3.1 million ecstasy pills.”

The 29-year-old suspect, HW, was arrested at his home in Kebayoran Baru on Wednesday. The BNN said the arrest was borne out of cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Agency and the Australian Federal Police.

“Five clandestine labs found to use the precursor liquid from HW are in California, Texas, Georgia and Los Angeles,” Anang said.

An investigation found HW had been dealing in the chemical, which is used to synthesize safrole, for at least six months and mostly worked online to sell his goods.

Three other suppliers, identified as SU, 20, and AT, 36 and SA, 46, have also been arrested, police said.

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/drug-agency-swoops-on-us-australia-ecstasy-supplier/
 
Perhaps this belongs in Drugs in the media, but it also involves a bust...


Person behaves like chicken as ecstasy linked to bizarre behaviour
Date
July 29, 2013 - 4:57PM


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A bad batch of ecstasy has been linked to a series of bizarre incidents in Adelaide including one person licking the dance floor at a nightclub and another acting like a chicken in the back of a taxi.

Police said another person believed to have taken the drug stripped naked and went swimming in the River Torrens while a number of others took their clothes off and rubbed their bodies on the road surface, apparently to relieve severe itching.

Superintendent Anthony Fioravanti said 21 people were admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with drug-related symptoms over the weekend and one remained in a critical condition.

He said as well as the incidents of extreme and bizarre behaviour, the ecstasy use had been linked to an increase in the number of fights in the city and reports of people suffering hallucinations.

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A 21-year-old man from North Adelaide was arrested and charged over having 33 ecstasy tablets and $900 in cash.

But Supt Fioravanti said it was yet to be established if the ecstasy seized was directly related to the unusual incidents.



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/pers...e-behaviour-20130729-2qujh.html#ixzz2aR2C6ujk
 
Man arrested after four-month drug operation - Central Hunter

A 32-year-old man has been arrested on the Central Hunter today and charged with numerous drug offences.

He was arrested at 11.15am today (Tuesday 30 July 2013) by police at Tarro after a four-month investigation by Central Hunter Drug Unit.

The 32-year-old will be in Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 31 July 2013) and charged with ten counts of supply prohibited, possess prohibited drugs and deal with the proceeds of crime.

Following the arrest police executed two search warrants, one at his residence in East Maitland and at another location in Mayfield.


Central Hunter Local Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector John Zdrilic, stated that this is a great result for the drug unit.

“The operation has seized in excess of 160 grams of Methyl amphetamine, with an estimated potential street value of $80,000. 1.4 kilograms of cannabis was seized with an estimated street value of $35,000. In addition about $80,000 in cash was seized, suspected of being the proceeds of crime (drug dealing).

“The drug unit have worked tirelessly to combat drugs in the area and this arrest will make a significant impact on the drug trade in the area,” he said.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjMxNTgxLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
Media Release: Sydney drug syndicate disrupted; $630,000 in proceeds of crime restrained

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has disrupted a Sydney-based drug syndicate, arresting three people and restraining approximately $630,000 in proceeds of crime overnight.

A 47-year-old Abbotsford man, a 48-year old Parramatta man and a 49-year-old man (no fixed abode) are scheduled to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 3 August 2013).

The men have been charged with a range of offences including drug trafficking, conspiracy to import border controlled drugs and dealing in proceeds of crime.

The operation began on Monday 29 July 2013 when the AFP seized a package addressed to a business in the Sydney CBD found to be concealing approximately 200 grams of methamphetamine.

Further enquiries by the AFP revealed a syndicate operating in Sydney had allegedly been planning several importations of methamphetamine into Australia.

Last night the AFP arrested the three men and executed search warrants in Wareemba and Abbotsford, seizing approximately $630,000, a semi-automatic handgun with silencer and a small amount of drugs.

It will be alleged in court the men were involved with the syndicate at various levels, from importation through to distribution.

AFP Manager Crime Operations Jennifer Hurst said the success of this investigation sends a clear message to both Australian-based and international drug syndicates.

"Despite efforts by criminal networks to evade detection, the AFP is continuing to identify and disrupt the syndicates who attempt to break Australian law," Commander Hurst said.

"The AFP will continue working with our domestic and international law enforcement partners, targeting all elements of this and other drug syndicates".

A 29-year-old Haymarket man was also charged on Tuesday 30 July 2013 in connection to this operation for drug importation offences.

Investigations into the syndicate are continuing.

Summary of charges

47-year-old Abbotsford man:

Possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
Conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, with a person unknown, contrary to section 307.1 by virtue of section 11.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
Trafficking commercial quantities of controlled drugs, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 302.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
48-year-old Parramatta man:

Possession of prohibited drugs, contrary to section 10 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985.
Supply of prohibited drugs, contrary to section 25 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985.
Dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime, contrary to section 193C of the Crimes Act 1900.
49-year-old man (no fixed abode):

Dealing in proceeds of crime worth $100,000 or more, contrary to section 400.4 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
Unauthorised possession or use of prohibited firearms or pistols, contrary to section 7 of the Firearms Act 1996.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...d-630000-in-proceeds-of crime-restrained.aspx
 
Police crack interstate drug operation

Police have shut down a major drug syndicate operating between Queensland and New South Wales.

The investigation, codenamed Lima Rune, ended with raids in Sydney and southeast Queensland today.

Heroin, cocaine and speed with an estimated street value of $5 million were seized.

Investigators say they also found a large amount of cash and several handguns.

Queensland Detective Inspector Rod Kemp says 10 people have been arrested on more than 80 charges.

Inspector Kemp says it was a sophisticated operation involving couriers moving hard drugs between both states.

"Driving up [in] trains, cars, different ways and there will be cars houses and assets seized in relation to this activity," he said.

"We've seized in excess of five kilograms of speed, heroin, cocaine.

"We've also seized in excess of $300,000, so we are very happy with the result."

A 25-year-old Gold Coast man and two Sydney men, aged 30 and 32, are among those charged with multiple offences.

Police say they expect to lay further charges.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-09/police-crack-interstate-drug-operation/4877332
 
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