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

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AFP seize $20 worth of drugs imported by post

AFP seize $20 worth of drugs imported by post

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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Customs have seized 120 kilograms of illicit drugs, including 80 kilograms of heroin, imported into the country through the postal service.

Police executed 22 search warrants across the country yesterday as a result of the three-month investigation.

Police have arrested 25 people, including nine people in New South Wales, eight in Victoria, three in Queensland, four in Western Australia and one in Tasmania.

Three people in Victoria and Queensland have been charged.

AFP spokesman Peter Skyora says the narcotics are worth about $20 million on the street.

He says it is not surprising criminals are resorting to such brazen strategies.

"You've got to understand that the Australian market is very strong for narcotics. The strength of our dollar is a contributing factor," he said.

"The fact that we are paying high prices per kilo for a variety of narcotics but also the fact that unfortunately the Australian public has an insatiable appetite for narcotics."

Six kilograms of drug analogues were also seized. They are substances that are chemically altered to give the same effect as other illicit substances.

The smallest seizure was a half a gram of MDMA in a mail envelope.

About 900 grams of cocaine concealed in a jigsaw puzzle was seized in Brisbane and 2.9 kilograms of methamphetamine was found hidden in ceramic homewares.​

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-18/afp-seize-drugs-imported-by-mail/4018732
 
Crime squad officer arrested in police drug bust


Crime squad officer arrested in police drug bust
By Kristy O'Brien
Posted May 18, 2012 13:01:03
Crime squad officer arrested in police drug bust Photo: Police say the arrests were part of Operation Maverick, which is targeting the supply of drugs in the Top End. (ABC TV)
Map: Darwin 0800

A Northern Territory Police officer has been arrested as part of a drug operation in Darwin.

Acting police commissioner Shane Maines says the officer is a member of the drug and organised crime squad.

He has been taken into custody and is expected to be charged shortly with drug offences.

Houses were raided in Darwin overnight and two other people, aged 22 and 31, were also arrested.

Police say they may make more arrests.

The ABC understands the alleged drug offences relate to the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Police say the arrests were part of Operation Maverick, which is targeting the supply of drugs in the Top End.

www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-18/cop-arrested-in-darwin-drug-bust/4019690
 
North coast records more drug labs

North coast records more drug labs

The north coast police region has reported the highest number of drug laboratories in Queensland.

More than 70 drug labs were found by police between Redcliffe and Bundaberg in the 2010-2011 period.

State Drug Squad Detective Steve Hollahan says most of the labs discovered in Queensland were smaller in comparison to Sydney and Melbourne.

"These are small addiction-based labs that are portable," he said.

"Sometimes they are located in cars, other times they are located in a shed or a motel or even residential areas.

"We aren't seeing these massive big ones."​

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-18/north-coast-records-more-drug-labs/4019742
 
Drug accused has bank accounts frozen

Drug accused has bank accounts frozen

Police say the large quantity of drugs uncovered in a raid in Broome is sufficient for the man charged to lose his house and assets if convicted.

A 45-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after 25 officers raided his Weld Street home.

It will be alleged that 4.5 kilograms of cannabis was found locked in a toolbox.

Police have put the street value at more than $225,000.

Because the quantity of drugs is large enough to be classified as trafficable, the man charged has had his bank accounts frozen.

If convicted, his house and car could be seized.

He is due to make his first appearance in the Broome Magistrates Court on June 1.​

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-18/drug-accused-has-bank-accounts-frozen/4019472
 
Police raid house seizing drugs, cash and handcuffs - Redfern

Police raid house seizing drugs, cash and handcuffs - Redfern

A man has been charged with drug offences after police raided a house in Redfern last night.

About 5pm, Thursday 17 May 2012, Detectives from Surry Hills Local Area Command conducted a search warrant at a house in Redfern Street.

During the search police allegedly located in excess of 30 ecstasy tablets, cocaine and other powders.

Police also seized $19,000 in cash and a pair of handcuffs.

A 47-year-old man was arrested at the premises and taken to Redfern Police Station where he was charged with two counts each of supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug.

He was also charged with possess prohibited weapon and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

The man was granted conditional bail and is expected to appear in the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 6 June 2012.​

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjIzMjg1Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
NT Police Seize Meth Haul - Darwin

NT Police Seize Meth Haul - Darwin

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NT Police today seized a quaintly of crystal methamphetamine they believe could have a street value of up to $1 million.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Stringer from the Drug and Organised Crime Squad (DOCS) said a 33-year-old Bayview Haven man was arrested after the drugs were allegedly found in his underpants.

“Officers allegedly found 101 grams of the dangerous drug in the man’s underwear,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Stringer said.

“We estimate the street value of this drug seizure to be between $500,000 and $1 million when cut.

“A thorough investigation by Officers from the DOCS has lead to the apprehension of this man.

“We’re very happy to have these drugs and this person off the street.”

“This stuff is quite often manufactured in backyard laboratories and you are putting your life at risk if you consume drugs like these. Again here is a person who cares only about profits and not your health.

“A late model Toyota Landcruiser utility being driven by the man has also been seized.”

The man was charged with:

Possess Commercial Quantity of Amphetamine;

Supply Commercial Quantity of Amphetamine.

He was remanded in custody and will appear in the Darwin Magistrates Court tomorrow.​

http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Media-Cen.../May/15/NT-Police-Seize-Meth-Haul-Darwin.aspx
 
Broome - drug trafficking charges

BROOME - DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES

Broome Detectives with the assistance of officers from the Regional Operations Group executed five search warrants yesterday across the town of Broome concluding a six month operation.
The searches resulted in the seizure of cannabis, drug implements and weapons.

Additionally, two prohibited crossbows and 4.5 kilograms of cannabis were seized.
The cannabis has an estimated street value of $225,000.

Officer in Charge of Broome Detectives, Detective Senior Sergeant Brett Baddock states; “This significant seizure will have a positive effect on the Kimberley community.”
Detectives have charged a 45 year old Broome man with various drug related offences and he is due to appear in the Broome Magistrates Court on Friday 1 June, 2012.​

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=pp/d1CBgmHo=&tabid=1489&mid=1983
 
Hydroponic crop located in Lara

Hydroponic crop located in Lara

Echo Taskforce detectives have uncovered one of the largest hydroponic set ups found in recent times at a Lara property.

Investigators executed a warrant at the Forest Road North residence about 7am and allegedly located about 1500 cannabis plants at various levels of maturity.

The crops, believed to be worth up to $6 million, were allegedly located in several large sheds and a home.

A 33-year-old Lara man was arrested at the property and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

Investigators are working to establish whether are there are any outlaw motorcycle gang connections.

Members from Geelong and the Operation Response Unit are also assisting with the investigation.​

http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/more-news/9557-hydroponic-crop-located-in-lara.html
 
Hydroponic crop located in Hillside

Hydroponic crop located in Hillside

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Police have uncovered a large hydroponic set up at a residence in Galli Court in Hillside this morning.

The crop, which is believed to consist of over 500 cannabis plants, was discovered following the execution of a warrant at the property at around 7am.

The warrant resulted from information received from a member of the public.

The property was not occupied at the time of the warrant and there have been no arrests made at this stage.​

http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/more-news/9553-hydroponic-crop-located-in-hillside.html
 
Police raid cannabis house - Bonnyrigg Heights

Police raid cannabis house - Bonnyrigg Heights

Police are continuing inquiries after uncovering a cannabis house operating next door to a childcare centre in Sydney’s south west.

Just after 2pm today (Friday 18 May 2012), officers attached to Wetherill Park Region Enforcement Squad executed a search warrant at a house on North Liverpool Road, Bonnyrigg Heights.

Inside the garage, police allegedly located an elaborate hydroponic cannabis set-up, containing a number of mature plants, with an estimated potential street value of $60,000.

The house was unattended.

Further inquiries are continuing and anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Investigators are also urging members of the public to be vigilant and to contact authorities if they believe a hydro house is being operated in their area.

Signs of a hydro house include, but should not be confined to:

Increased security measures (roller shutters, fences, vicious dogs in the yard)
Increased use of electricity
Increased use of water
Illegal connection to electrical supply
Condensation on windows
Continual running of generators
Disposal of large amounts of garbage
Large quantities of chemicals and fertilisers around the premises
Locks or other methods in place to prevent access to the electricity meter box
Discarded chemical containers (fertilisers, liquid and bagged growing cultures)​

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjIzMzAyLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
North-west drug haul

North-west drug haul

Tasmanian police have laid charges after seizing illicit drugs and firearms during a search in Devonport.

They say the haul includes two sawn-off shotguns and drugs, including methylamphetamine and ecstasy.

Detective Senior Sergeant Stuart Wilkinson says police found them while searching a Devonport property as they investigated a break-in at Latrobe's Axemen's Hall of Fame.

He says laboratory chemicals and drug making equipment were also seized.

"The drugs that we've seized have to be analysed in order that we know exactly what it is but at this stage we're of the belief that it's approximately $50,000 worth of ice, about $15,000 of amphetamines and there was also some other drugs seized as well."

"So certainly significant in our eyes," he said.

Police have charged a 22-year-old Devonport man with drug and firearms offences, and another two men over the break-in.

They expect to make more arrests as investigations continue.​

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-18/north-west-drug-haul/4020160
 
Drug manufacture charge - coodanup

DRUG MANUFACTURE CHARGE - COODANUP

Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged a man in relation to the discovery of an alleged Improvised Drug Manufacture Site in Coodanup yesterday, Thursday 17 May 2012.
About 11:20am detectives executed a Misuse of Drugs Act Search Warrant at a residence on Josbury Close, Coodanup. On entry to the premises it will be alleged items consistent with those used to manufacture drugs were located, and appeared to have been recently used.

It will be further alleged substances believed to be Methamphetamine and Cannabis were located.
Chemists from ChemCentre were called to the scene to assist process the items safely.

Department for Child Protection was notified due to a 16 year old child who lives at the residence being present at the time.

A 42 year old man from Coodanup has been charged with Manufacture a Prohibited Drug, two counts of Possess a Prohibited Drug (Methamphetamine and Cannabis) and one count of Possess a Smoking Implement. He will appear in the Mandurah Magistrates Court today, Friday 18 May 2012.

A second person at the address will be summonsed in relation to possessing prohibited drugs.
Ends release.​

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=EHtB0jM1taU=&tabid=1489&mid=1983
 
Drug manufacture charge - parmelia

DRUG MANUFACTURE CHARGE - PARMELIA

Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged a man after the discovery of an alleged Improvised Drug Manufacture Site in Parmelia last night, Thursday 17 May 2012.

About 7:40pm detectives executed a Misuse of Drugs Act Search Warrant at a residence on Devitt Grove, Parmelia. On entry to the premises it will be alleged items consistent with those used to manufacture drugs were located, and they appeared to be in use at the time.

For safety reasons the four occupants, three adults and a 7 year old child, were removed from the house. FESA and Chemists from ChemCentre were called to the scene to assist process the items safely.
Department for Child Protection were notified and have taken custody of the 7 year old child.

A 35 year old man from Parmelia has been charged with Manufacture a Prohibited Drug and will appear in the Rockingham Magistrates Court today, Friday 18 May 2012.
Ends release.​

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=DbKlmcoFCJQ=&tabid=1489&mid=1983
 
Police Drug Operation - Operation Maverick Update

Police Drug Operation - Operation Maverick Update

Deputy Commissioner Shayne Maines says following the arrest of three people in connection with Operation Maverick on the 17th of May 2012, Investigators from the Northern Territory Police Ethical and Professional Standards and Crime Commands have charged a 30-year-old male Police Officer with:

Possess dangerous drug - trafficable quantity;
Supply Schedule 2 Substance;
Possess a dangerous drug (x3);
Administer a dangerous drug to self;
Possess thing - Administer dangerous drug; and
Stealing a schedule 2 dangerous drug (x2).

The Officer has been suspended from the Police Force without pay and has been remanded in custody until Monday the 21st of May 2012.

Two other people, a 31-year-old man and 22-year-old woman, both from Wagaman have been charged with:

Possess dangerous drug;
Administer dangerous drug;
Possess thing - Administer dangerous drug.

The pair has been granted bail and will appear in the Darwin Magistrates Court on the 14th of June.​

http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Media-Cen...Drug-Operation-Operation-Maverick-Update.aspx
 
Drug and firearms seizures in North West

Drug and firearms seizures in North West

On Thursday 17 May 2012 Detectives from Western Criminal Investigation Branch and Western Drug Investigation Services conducted searches in the Turners Beach and Devonport which resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of crystal methyl amphetamine ‘ice’ and other amphetamine type substances as well as a quantity of steroids, ecstasy and cannabis. Two firearms, ammunition and clandestine laboratory chemicals and equipment relating to the production of illicit drugs were seized during one of the searches.

As a result of the operation, a 28 year old Turners Beach man and a 22 year old Devonport man have been charged in relation to the burglary and stealing committed at the Axemen’s Hall of Fame in Latrobe in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A 20 year old Devonport man has been charged in relation to drug and firearm related offences.

All men have been bailed with conditions, to appear at the Devonport Court of Petty Sessions at a later date. The investigation continues.​

http://www.police.tas.gov.au/news/posts/view/2925/drug-and-firearms-seizures-in-north-west/
 
Man admits smuggling 1.3kg of cocaine inside stomach

Man admits smuggling 1.3kg of cocaine inside stomach

An American man has pleaded guilty to smuggling 1.3kg of cocaine into New Zealand.

Customs stopped Mark Henderson at the Auckland International Airport on Tuesday after he arrived from Chile.

It is understood the 41-year-old smuggled the cocaine inside condoms inside his stomach.

He appeared at the Auckland District Court today.

Henderson's lawyer Graham Newell said the exact weight and the purity of the drug could be at issue.

Yesterday Customs says Henderson was found to be concealing 62 pellets of the Class A drug.

He will be sentenced in July.​

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10806865
 
Fight to find drug labs in the suburbs

Fight to find drug labs in the suburbs

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Right under our noses ... in 2010-11, police shut down a record 703 of these operations across Australia. Photo: NSW Police

Almost 70 per cent of the manufacture of illegal stimulants is taking place in secret laboratories in residential areas.

They're everywhere. Houses, farms, cars, caravans, hotels, motels and industrial factories. But most of the time, they're in your neighbourhood.

The Drug Debate – check out the WikiCurve to have your say

Drug manufacturing in Australia is a multibillion-dollar industry and at the heart of the trade are the clandestine laboratories sprinkled across the country.

Clan labs, as they are commonly known, range from crude, makeshift operations that involve simple processes to highly sophisticated operations that use technically advanced equipment.

The laboratories can produce extraordinary quantities of the amphetamine-type stimulants that hit the streets with names such as speed, ice and ecstasy.​

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According to statistics from the Australian Crime Commission's Illicit Drug Data Report, released last week, almost 70 per cent of clan labs are in residential areas.

Known to authorities as methamphetamine, detections of such substances account for about 15 per cent of all drug discoveries in NSW, including cannabis. They account for about 40 per cent of detections if cannabis isn't included.

In 2010-11, police shut down a record 703 of these operations across Australia.​

art-N-drug-lab-1-420x0.jpg


The commander of the NSW Drug Squad, Detective Superintendent Nick Bingham, said police have shut down 33 this year already. In just 10 days this month, 11 clandestine labs were found and dismantled.

''We can attribute the increase to the fact that we're getting better at finding them and more than 60 per cent of labs found are as a result of … intelligence or information relating to supply or manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants and are mainly methamphetamine labs,'' Superintendent Bingham said.

In Victoria, police shut down 63 labs last year, while in Queensland authorities closed 293 operations, mostly smaller labs for personal use.​

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But NSW is home to the majority of medium to large laboratories, in particular, some of the ''very large'' or ''commercial'' size operations.

Superintendent Bingham said commercial labs were generally established by syndicates or organised criminals, who ''on-sell in bulk''.

''These labs churn out quantities from a few hundred grams to tens of kilograms at a time and, if not located, have the potential to manufacture hundreds of kilograms each,'' Superintendent Bingham said.

''As an example, the drug squad have busted several large labs in the past year or so that had this capacity.''

He said while it is difficult to comment on the size of the illicit drug market, last year police seized 159 kilograms of methamphetamine in 3437 seizures with a conservative street value of about $200 million.

The operations are a big money-spinner for those in the game - and are not restricted to bikie gangs.

Superintendent Bingham said Middle Eastern organised crime groups, international syndicates and Australian gangs have also been involved in drug manufacture, either by taking part in the cooking process, supplying precursor chemicals, facilitating premises to manufacture, or paying specialists from outside gangs to do the hard work for them.

There is also a growing trade in arranging the importation of precursor chemicals, such as pseudoephedrine, a task made easier because of less-stringent controls in countries such as India and China.

In the past, cold and flu medication packets were found at clan labs, but increased supervision at the cash register has made the international option more viable.

Among the products being imported is ContacNT, a pseudoephedrine-based cold and flu preparation that is made in China for the Asian market.

''It has a much higher dose of pseudo than what is manufactured here and is relatively simple to extract for preparation,'' Superintendent Bingham said.

It is understood Customs has seized more than 800 kilograms of the product in the past year, while 650 kilograms were seized last December by the NSW Drug Squad.

The Herald's Drugs Dilemma series is using WikiCurve - an interactive online tool to explore the community's views on drug laws. To have your say, go to smh.com.au and follow the link to WikiCurve.​

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http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/fight-to-find-drug-labs-in-the-suburbs-20120519-1yxjp.html
 
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Four men charged as police target drug offences at floating Sydney Harbour dance part

Four men charged as police target drug offences at floating Sydney Harbour dance party

Police have charged four men with drug offences following an operation on board a Sydney Harbour party boat overnight.

Between 7.30pm yesterday (Saturday 19 May 2012) and 12am today (Sunday 20 May 2012), police launched Operation Wilmore to target the supply of prohibited drugs at a dance party aboard the licensed charter vessel.

The operation involved officers from Redfern and Surry Hills Region Enforcement Squads, City Central and The Rocks Local Area Commands, and Marine Area Command.

Four men were arrested during the four-and-a-half hour operation.

Police also seized quantities of ecstasy and cocaine and a sum of cash.

A 23-year-old Abbotsbury man was subsequently charged with knowingly take part in the supply of prohibited drug.

A 37-year-old Prestons man was charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug and deal in proceeds of crimes.

A 22-year-old Edensor Park man was charged with supply prohibited drug.

They were conditionally bailed to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 12 June 2012.

Meanwhile, a 20-year-old Bangor man was subsequently charged with possess prohibited drug and granted conditional bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 5 June 2012.​

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjIzMzI0Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
Cannabis crackdown in western suburbs

Cannabis crackdown in western suburbs

Twelve people have been arrested or reported for drug and weapons offences after police raids in Adelaide's western suburbs.

Several properties were searched late last week in an attempt to find cannabis.

Police seized 206 marijuana plants, two kilograms of dried cannabis, hydroponic equipment, a taser, nine firearms and ammunition.

Further arrests are expected.​

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-21/drug-raid-arrests/4023574
 
Australian faces death penalty in Malaysia

Australian faces death penalty in Malaysia

The case against an Australian man being held on drug trafficking charges in Malaysia has been referred to the country's high court.

Tests have confirmed the quantity of drugs allegedly seized from Dominic Bird exceeds the death penalty threshold.

Bird, formerly from Perth, was arrested in March after allegedly selling methamphetamine to an undercover police officer in Kuala Lumpur.

Bird entered the court shackled to 10 other prisoners, however he appeared in good spirits waving to lawyers and family.

His father struggled to hold back tears during the hearing.

Tests on drugs allegedly seized from the 32-year-old have returned a weight of 168.7 grams.

That is well in excess of the 50-gram threshold which defines trafficking under Malaysian law.

Bird's lawyers say they are prepared to defend him against a mandatory death penalty.

Barrister Muhammad Shafee says the defence will question the credibility of the police who conducted the undercover sting and says there is doubt over who was in possession of the drugs.

"We think there's more than enough doubt that has been raised pertaining to who actually would have been in possession of it," he said.

"And coupled with that, we are not impressed at all with the credibility of the arresting officers."

Three Australian men have been executed in Malaysia for drug trafficking in the past 25 years.​

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-...case-referred-to-malaysian-high-court/4024080
 
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