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

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Man behind bars after Coffs Coast police raids

A Sawtell man charged with gun and drug offences will remain in police custody until his next court appearance.

Chad Carriage, 33, did not apply for bail in Coffs Harbour Local Court yesterday afternoon.

He's facing several charges after police allegedly found drugs and guns in raids earlier this week.

Coffs Clarence police say they found more than 400 cannabis plants plus 300 cuttings, vials of anabolic steroids and a handgun at a Sawtell property.

Detective Senior Sergeant Peter O'Reilly says more items were seized during a later search at a Toormina storage unit.

"Following on the subsequent search warrant we seized a further nine firearms and a large amount of ammunition.

"This man has been charged with enhanced cultivation of cannabis and possession of the firearms," he said.

Detective Senior Sergeant O'Reilly says it's not clear if Carriage stole the guns from a Kempsey gun dealer himself.

"One of the rifles has been sawn off, so it has that appearance that it could have been used for other offences.

"They will be taken to Sydney where they'll undergo further testing.

"At this stage we can identify and confirm that three of them are from a single break and enter in February last year at Kempsey," he said.

The matter will be heard again in Coffs Harbour Local Court on September 25.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-16/sawtell-man-behind-bars-after-police-raids/4203260

 

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19-year-old woman arrested for importing 12 kilograms of GBL

A 19-year-old Alderley woman will face Brisbane Magistrates Court today charged with drug importation offences following a joint operation between the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Queensland Police Service’s (QPS) Taskforce Hydra and Customs and Border Protection Service.

On 4 August 2012 Customs and Border Protection officers identified a parcel from China for examination. The examination revealed the parcel contained a clear liquid substance. Presumptive testing indicated a positive result for Gammabutyrolacetone (GBL), a precursor for GHB or Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate, commonly known as ‘fantasy’.

The parcel contained approximately 12 kilograms of the liquid worth up to $75,000 on Australian streets, and was addressed to a 19-year-old Alderley woman.

As a result of a joint investigation simultaneous search warrants were executed by the AFP, QPS and Northern Territory Police yesterday (9 August 2012) at a tattoo parlour and residential premises in Alderley (QLD), Queanbeyan (NSW) and Darwin (NT).

The AFP subsequently arrested the 19-year-old Alderley woman at the tattoo parlour and seized drugs and drug paraphernalia.

QPS also arrested three people, a 19-year-old Deception Bay woman, a 24-year-old Everton Park man and a 36-year-old Alderley man yesterday. They will appear in court at a later date to face state related drug and firearms offences.

Police also seized a number of firearms including a sawn off .22 calibre rifle, a loaded 9mm hand gun, ammunition and small quantities of GBL, ice, GHB, Ecstasy as well as more than $6,000.

AFP Manager Serious and Organised Crime Commander David Sharpe said this operation has prevented 12 kilograms of this dangerous substance from hitting the streets of Brisbane and up to $75,000 from entering the criminal economy.

QPS Detective Superintendent John Sheppard, Major and Organised Crime Group, State Crime Operations Command said the Queensland Police Service is committed to working with our partners to assist in disrupting the flow of illegal and illicit drugs into the community.

Customs and Border Protection National Manager Cargo Operations Jagtej Singh said Australian law enforcement agencies had the technology and the intelligence to detect and stop illegal importations of this kind.

“These arrests should serve as a warning to those considering importing these substances illegally,” Mr Singh said.

The 19-year-old Alderley woman was charged with the following offences

Once count of conspiracy to import a border control drug contrary to section 307.1(1) by virtue of 11.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

One count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug contrary to section 301.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

One count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug contrary to section 307.5(1) by virtue of 11.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

One count of dealing in proceeds of crime in excess of $10,000 contrary to section 400.6(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Trafficking a trafficable quantity of a controlled drug contrary to section 302.4 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Possessing a controlled drug contrary to section 308.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The maximum penalty for these offences is $825,000 fine and/or 25 years imprisonment.

Investigations are continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...rested-for-importing-12-kilograms-of-GBL.aspx

 

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Thai man arrested for links to half tonne drug haul

Royal Thai Police have arrested a 42-year-old Thai man for his alleged involvement in an international drug syndicate responsible for importing over half a tonne of illicit drugs with a potential street value of $500 million into Australia.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced the results of the successful joint operation with Australian Customs and Border Protection on 31 July 2012 after more than half a tonne of drugs, including 306 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (ice) and 252 kilograms of heroin, were seized in Sydney. Seven people were arrested during the operation.

It was the largest seizure of ice in AFP history and the AFP’s third largest seizure of heroin.

AFP Deputy Commissioner Operations Andrew Colvin said that the AFP’s International Liaison Officer Network played a critical role and worked closely with authorities in Thailand who conducted a concurrent investigation into individuals based in Thailand suspected of having links to the international syndicate.

On 2 August 2012 the Royal Thai Police executed a search warrant on a warehouse in the Bungthonglang Sub-District, Lamlookka District, Prathumthani where the containers carrying the narcotics allegedly originated.

Royal Thai Police subsequently announced today (Monday, 13 August 2012) that they had arrested the 42-year-old man.

Deputy Commissioner Colvin acknowledged the great work of the Royal Thai Police for identifying the man in Thailand and for assisting the AFP to bring those connected to the importation to justice.

“Today’s overseas arrest is a welcome development and further proof that the AFP and its international counterparts work tirelessly in order to find, charge and prosecute those involved in global drug trafficking syndicates.” Deputy Commissioner Colvin said.

“The AFP is stronger than ever in the fight against drugs, uniting with authorities all over the world including our South East Asian neighbours in countries like Thailand. The Royal Thai Police are to be congratulated for their professionalism and collaborative international approach”

The AFP cooperates with its international law enforcement partners through its International network, which includes more than 100 officers deployed to over 29 locations worldwide.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...arrest-for-links-to-half-tonne-drug-haul.aspx

 

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Joint operation nets 109kg of pseudoephedrine

This is a joint media release with the Austrailan Federal Police, Victoria Police, Australian Crime Commission and Australian Customs and Border Protection.

A Victorian based multi-agency taskforce has disrupted an international drug syndicate seizing a large quantity of precursor narcotics in Melbourne.

The Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) comprises the Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) and was established to target organised crime syndicates impacting upon Victoria.

Police arrested three men in Melbourne today following the joint investigation into the trafficking, manufacture and importation of illicit narcotics into Australia. The operation began following information received from Australian Customs and Border Protection Services and the New South Wales Police (NSWP) that prompted the JOCTF to initiate Operation Diamondback.

During the investigation approximately 109 kilograms of pseudoephedrine was seized. Officers also seized a quantity of chemicals and equipment believed to be used in the manufacture of drugs.

It is estimated that 109kg of pseudoephedrine has the potential to manufacture 77.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ice’, which would equate to a street value of up to approximately $77 million.

The Task Force has charged three Canadian nationals, two 23-year-old men and a 46-year-old man, with the following offences:

Pre-trafficking commercial quantities of a controlled precursor, namely pseudoephedrine, contrary to section 306.2 (1) of the Criminal Code Act (Cth); and

Possess equipment for the commercial manufacture of a controlled drug, namely amphetamine, contrary to section 308.4 (1) of the Criminal Code Act (Cth).

The three men will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court today.

Manager Serious and Organised Crime David Sharpe said the arrests are a significant result for the Victorian based JOCT.

“This successful outcome from the Task Force is another example of the strength of the multi-agency Task Force approach being adopted by law enforcement nationwide. By coordinating our resources and efforts significant results are being achieved in the fight against organised crime.

“These Task Forces also recognise the importance of partnering with industry bodies to disrupt national and international organised crime syndicates impacting upon Australia. The Task Force worked closely on this occasion with Crown Casino Melbourne throughout the investigation,” Commander Sharpe said.

Detective Superintendent Gerard Ryan from the Victoria Police Crime Department said this result sends a clear message to crime syndicates.

“Operations like this show law enforcement is not bound by jurisdictional borders and Victoria Police and our partner agencies will aggressively pursue anyone who thinks our streets are an easy mark for the illicit drug trade.”

ACC National Manager Intervention Warren Gray said that collaboration was a key focus of the ACC in uniting the fight against organised crime.

“This investigation further highlights the effectiveness of a nationally coordinated response against the global threat that is organised crime. We will now utilise the intelligence and knowledge gleaned from this investigation to collectively harden Australia against these threats.”

“This successful operation is testament to the co-operation between Customs and Border Protection officers and their law enforcement partners,” Acting National Manager Cargo and Maritime Targeting, Alan Sullivan said.

Investigations are ongoing and police have not ruled out further arrests.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...-operation-nets-109kg-of-pseudoephedrine.aspx

 

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Man sentenced to two years and three months' gaol for importing hydroxyephedrine

A 29-year-old man from Paralowie, South Australia, was sentenced in the Adelaide District Court on 10 August to two years and three months' gaol for importing approximately 2kg of hydroxyephedrine.

Hydroxyephedrine is an analogue of the drug methylamphetamine, an amphetamine-like substance.

On 24 December 2010 Customs and Border Protection officers at the Melbourne International Mail Facility examined a parcel from China which had been sent to an address in Kilburn, South Australia.

Examination of the parcel revealed two plastic bags containing approximately 10kg of white powder. Subsequent analysis revealed that one of the bags contained approximately 2kg of the border controlled drug hydroxyephedrine.

As a result of this detection and the subsequent investigation Customs and Border Protection officers arrested Mr John Rawatxay.

Customs and Border Protection Director Operations, Investigations Branch, Ross Viles said that Customs and Border Protection remains focused on intercepting illicit drugs and this detection should serve as a warning to anyone trying to import illegal substances.

Mr Rawatxay was found guilty of importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug in contravention of division 307.2 the Criminal Code Act 1995.

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/120816mediarelease.asp

 

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Man sentenced for importing pseudoephedrine

A 41-year old Kelmscott man has been sentenced in the Perth District Court yesterday (14 August) to 10 months gaol for importing pseudoephedrine.

On 27 August 2010, Mr Michael Hayes arrived at Perth International Airport on a flight from Thailand. Customs and Border Protection officers examined Mr Hayes’ baggage and found 1230 tablets of ‘Actifed’ tablets.

The tablets contained 73.8 grams of pseudoephedrine which is a precursor used to manufacture amphetamine-type substances such as methylamphetamine. Importing pseudoephedrine into Australia is prohibited without a permit.

When questioned, Mr Hayes told officers that he had purchased the tablets during a 4-day Thailand holiday.

Mr Hayes said that he intended to use the tablets in his occupation as a truck driver to help him stay awake.

Customs and Border Protection Director Operations, Investigations Branch, Ross Viles said the outcome was a timely warning for anyone attempting to import illegal substances.

“People should be aware that if they try to import illegal drugs or precursors they will face the full force of the law,” Mr Viles said.

Mr Hayes pleaded guilty to one offence of importing Tier 1 goods, in contravention of section 233BAA(4) of the Customs Act 1901.

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/mediarelease120815_1.asp

 

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Hydroponic setup found after house fire - Tahmoor

Police are continuing their investigation into a house fire in Sydney’s south-west which has uncovered an elaborate hydroponic setup.

About 10pm yesterday (Wednesday 15 August 2012), emergency services responded to reports of a fire at a residence on York Street, Tahmoor.

After the fire was extinguished, officers attached to Camden Local Area Command discovered significantly damaged hydroponic equipment and plants believed to be cannabis in a rear room of the house.

A crime scene was established and examinations are continuing.

No one was at home at the time of the fire.

The property’s owner is currently assisting police with their inquiries.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI1MDAxLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

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Police lay charges in relation to public-place shootings, drug supply - Strike Force Kinnarra

A 21-year-old Hells Angels associate, who was charged with fire firearm at dwelling/house with disregard for safety inThis man was already in custody for other offences. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on 30 August 2012.

A 30-year-old former high-ranking Nomads member, who was charged with two counts fire firearm at dwelling/house with disregard for safety in relation to the Granville and Baulkham Hills incidents. He was refused bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court today (Thursday 16 August 2012).

A 31-year-old former Nomads member, who was charged with supply prohibited drug. Police will allege they located a large amount of the drug Ecstasy during the execution of a search warrant at the man’s residence on 11 July 2012. This man was granted bail to face Blacktown Local Court on 6 September 2012.

A 26-year-old former Nomads member, who was charged with supply prohibited drug and supply restricted substance. Police will allege they located a large amount of the drug “Ice” and smaller quantities of steroids during the execution of a search warrant at the man’s residence on 11 July 2012. This man was refused bail to face Blacktown Local Court today.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI0OTk5Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

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Police smash Parramatta based street-level heroin supply network

Nine people have been arrested following an operation in Parramatta that has smashed a major street-level drug supply network.


Operation Monson was established in April this year, and comprises officers from North West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad (NWM RES), to investigate the supply of heroin in the Parramatta area.

Following extensive investigations, the officers – assisted by the Dog Unit and Parramatta and Holroyd Local Area Commands – executed two search warrants at properties in Merrylands and one at a property in Parramatta yesterday (Wednesday 15 August 2012).

Police located and seized cannabis, drug paraphernalia, mobile phones, clothing and suspicious property.

A 45-year-old man was arrested at the Parramatta property and following a subsequent search of the man, officers allegedly located and seized heroin.

Officers also arrested a 28-year-old man at one of the Merrylands properties.

A 37-year-old man was located and arrested outside a property in Harris Park.

Two men – aged 39 and 42 – were also arrested in Church Street Mall.

All five men were taken to Parramatta Police Station.

The 45-year-old Parramatta man was charged with supply a prohibited drug, possess a prohibited drug and on-going drug supply.

A 28-year-old Merrylands man was charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug and on-going drug supply.

The 37-year-old Merrylands man was charged with supply a prohibited drug, possess a prohibited drug and on-going drug supply.

The 39-year-old Harris Park man was charged with supply a prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug and on-going drug supply.

A 42-year-old Merrylands man was charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug.

The men were refused bail and appeared at Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday 16 August 2012).

The operation continues today in the Parramatta area.

This morning, four people were arrested and taken to Parramatta Police Station where they are assisting with inquiries.

North West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford, said investigations are ongoing as police will continue to remove drugs from the streets.

“It has been frustrating that we have not been able to openly respond to community concerns over drug supply in the Parramatta CBD,” Assistant Commissioner Clifford said.

“We established Operation Monson four months ago but we have had to be protective of our information for operational and investigative reasons.

“Our hard work has paid off with the arrest of nine people and so far, 61 charges have been laid.

“We are confident that these results will have considerable impact on the supply of heroin in the Parramatta CBD.

“Ongoing investigations are certain to lead to further arrests and charges,” Assistant Commissioner Clifford said.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI0OTk4Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

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Pair avoid jail over amphetamines haul

A man and a woman have been sentenced in the Horsham Magistrates Court for possessing amphetamines.

Nannette Blackney, 41, and Robert Bourne, 46, were sentenced yesterday, after they were found driving through Horsham with $40,000 worth of the drug.

The pair received 18-month community correction orders.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-17/pair-avoid-jail-over-amphetamines-haul/4204972

 

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Man charged after drugs, cash seized - Wollongong

Police have arrested and charged a man after prohibited drugs and cash were found at a home in Wollongong.

Following an investigation into drug supply in the region, police attended a home on Market Street about 9pm yesterday (Thursday 16 August 2012).

Inside the home officers located and seized an amount of cannabis along with more than $15,000 cash.

A 40-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Wollongong Police Station where he assisted detectives with their inquiries.

He was later charged with supply cannabis and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.

He was granted bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday 5 September 2012.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI1MDE0Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

[Verybuffed]

Two men charged as police break alleged drug ring operating on the state's North Coast - Operation Eldorado

Friday, 17 August 2012 04:19:33 PM
Two men have been charged in relation to an alleged drug ring operating on the state’s far north coast.

Operation Eldorado, comprising officers from Richmond Local Area Command’s Drug Unit, was formed in March this year to investigate the supply of methylamphetamine (MDMA) in the Ballina area.

Following extensive investigations, officers arrested a 32-year-old Ballina man and a 35 year-old Byron Bay man about 11.15am today (Friday 17 August 2012).

Following the arrests, detectives from Richmond and Tweed/Byron Local Area Commands conducted search warrants at houses in Ballina, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby.

During the search warrants, officers located and seized cash, capsules believed to be ecstasy, cannabis, drug paraphernalia and mobile phones.

The 32-year-old man was taken to Ballina Police Station. He was charged with the ongoing supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug and supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug.

The 35-year-old man was taken to Byron Bay Police Station. He was charged with supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug.

Both men were refused bail and are due to appear in Lismore Local Court tomorrow (Saturday 18 August 2012).

Richmond Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Greg Moore, said today’s arrests are the culmination of months of hard work by police.

“Operations of this nature disrupt the major of supply of drugs in the area. They are also useful in removing key players involved in drug rings,” Detective Inspector Moore said.

“There is still more work to be done and I expect further arrests to be made.

“I hope today’s arrests sends a message to those involved in the supply of prohibited drugs that we will not give up the fight and will continue to work hard to identify anyone involved.

“The community can play a big role in crime fighting and I would urge anyone with any information about crimes in the area to come forward and contact police.

“That small piece of information might just lead to something bigger and help us make the streets safer for everyone,” Det Insp Moore said.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/media_release_archive?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmViaXoucG9saWNlLm5zdy5nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI1MDI2Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE%3D

 

[modoq]

Ecstasy capsules seized in Ballina as a part of a drug bust code named Operation Eldorado.

Police smash drug rings

FOUR MEN have been arrested and two remain in custody, after police smashed two drug rings operating in the Northern Rivers in two days.

Comprising officers from the Richmond Local Area Command's Drug Unit, Operation Eldorado was formed in March 2012, to investigate the supply of ecstasy in the Ballina area.

Richmond LAC Crime Manager Detective Inspector Greg Moore said after extensive investigations into the supply of ecstasy, yesterday officers arrested a 32-year-old Ballina man at Ballina and a 35-year-old Byron Bay man in his home town.

"Police also seized a large quantity of cash and approximately 1400 pills believed to be ecstasy," he said.

"The investigation to date has seized approximately 4000 pills believed to be ecstasy estimated to be $100,000 in street value.

"We believe we have interrupted the distribution of a large quantity of illegal drugs on the North Coast."

Det Insp Moore said following the arrests, detectives from the Richmond and Tweed Byron LACs executed search warrants at a number of premises in Ballina, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby.

"Police do expect further arrests to follow from this investigation and our inquiries will be ongoing."

The 32-year-old Ballina man was charged with the ongoing supply of a commercial quantity of prohibited drug and supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.

The 35-year-old man was charged with supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug.

Both men were refused bail and are due to appear in Lismore Local Court today. Meanwhile two men were granted conditional bail after police discovered an underground hydroponic cannabis set-up at Casino on Thursday.

The Richmond Local Area Command Tactical Action Group TAG swooped on a multi-storey premises in Swanson Lane at Casino at 9.25am.

While searching the premises, TAG officers found 1.5kg of dried cannabis in a second storey storage room and seized 33 hydroponic cannabis plants from a concealed concrete underground room.

Police arrested a 57-year-old and a 53-year-old man at the scene.

http://www.echonews.com.au/story/2012/08/18/police-smash-drug-rings-lismore/

 

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Cannabis plants located at vacant house - Jacana

More than 200 cannabis plants have been seized after police executed a warrant at a vacant house in Jacana last night.

Moreland Crime Investigation Unit detectives attended the Pascoe Vale Road address about 11.30pm and located the plants in a number of rooms at the property.

A crime scene guard has been put in place overnight.

No one is in custody in relation to the matter.

http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/mor...-plants-located-at-vacant-house---jacana.html

 

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Charges laid over hydroponic drugs

A police raid of a house at Mount Gambier has uncovered a hydroponic drug set-up.

More than 120 cannabis plants, a kilogram of dried cannabis and hydroponic equipment was seized on Sunday afternoon from the property in Fartch Street.

A 39-year-old man has been reported for possession of cannabis and a 37-year-old man has been charged with cultivating cannabis.

Both will appear in court later.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-20/charges-laid-over-hydroponic-drugs/4210010

 

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Man charged after police seize drugs, cash from car

A 23-year-old Hunter Valley man has been charged with possession and supply of illegal drugs after police spotted him driving erratically near Seaham.

Police stopped the black utility on East Seaham Road just after two this morning, after spotting it travelling well over the posted 70 km/hr speed limit.

When they searched the car, they allegedly found several small bags of drugs hidden inside, including ice, heroin, ecstasy and LSD.

They also found a motorcycle in the back of the ute, which had allegedly been stolen in Taree last month.

A large sum of cash was also seized.

The Woodberry man was taken to Raymond Terrace police station where he was charged with four counts of possessing illegal drugs, drug supply, and two counts of having stolen goods in custody as well as driving without a licence.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-20/man-charged-after-police-seize-drugs2c-cash-from-car/4210286

 

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Fifth person charged following Strike Force Kinnarra operation - Gangs Squad

A fifth person has today been arrested and charged as part of a Strike Force Kinnarra operation relating to public-place shootings and the supply of illegal drugs.

Strike Force Kinnarra was established by State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad on Tuesday 17 April 2012 to investigate shootings at five homes and businesses at Merrylands, Baulkham Hills, Granville and Northmead in the early hours of that morning.

Also under investigation are two shootings at Rouse Hill and Bella Vista on Friday 20 April 2012; a shooting at a unit block in Merrylands on Monday 23 April 2012; and a shooting and brawl at Parramatta on Saturday 14 July 2012.

Police believe some of the shootings are linked to conflict between the Hells Angels and Nomads outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG).

On Thursday 16 August 2012, a police operation by Strike Force Kinnarra investigators resulted in the arrests and charging of four men who remain before the courts.

One man, who could not be located late last week, was placed under arrest when he attended Parramatta Police Station at 8.10am today (Monday 20 August 2012).

The 26-year-old man, who is an associate of the Hells Angels, was charged with affray and participate in a criminal group. The charges relate to a brawl and shooting that occurred at Parramatta on 14 July 2012.

He has been refused bail to face Parramatta Local Court today.

To date, Strike Force Kinnarra investigators have made 41 arrests and laid 144 charges.

Thirteen firearms have been seized, including three rifles, four assault rifles, four handguns, a machine pistol and a shotgun. Police have also seized about 2500 rounds of ammunition; and drugs.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI1MDY1Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=

 

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Man charged after child injured in clan lab blast

A 32-year-old man is set to become the first person in Western Australia to face a possible mandatory jail term for injuring a child while manufacturing drugs.

The man and his four-year-old son suffered significant burns when an explosion caused major damage to their rental home in Bertram three weeks ago.

Police alleged he had a drug lab set up in the bathroom of the home.

The blast was so powerful it blew a large hole in the roof, demolished internal walls, and buckled steel beams on the home's patio.

PHOTO: The blast was so powerful it blew a hole in the roof of the house in Bertram.
The man was arrested after being released from hospital yesterday and has spent the night in custody.

He is due to appear in court today charged with attempting to manufacture drugs, endangering life and unlawful damage.

In April, police charged a 28-year-old woman over a drug lab at a house in Girrawheen where two young children were staying but they were not injured.

Under those circumstances, the woman faces a possible six months jail term.

Under new laws passed earlier this year, anyone who harms a child while cultivating or manufacturing drugs faces a mandatory 12 month jail term.

The State Government brought in the laws in March amid a surge in the numbers of clan labs being discovered set up in suburban homes.

Police claim the labs not only endangered the lives of those attempting to manufacture the drugs but also those of any children living on the property, and those of neighbours.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-21/man-charged-after-child-injured-in-clan-lab-blast/4212142

 

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Two charged for concealing heroin inside books

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

A 49-year-old Singaporean man and a 32-year-old Malaysian man are scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court today for attempting to possess more than five kilograms of heroin, concealed in books.

On Friday 17 August 2012, Customs and Border Protection officers questioned the men when they arrived at Melbourne International Airport on a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

After the two men were questioned, the matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for further investigation.

The AFP conducted enquiries and linked the men to two packages that were located in Melbourne’s CBD, where the men were due to stay. One package was examined and was found to contain 22 sealed Chinese books.

Following an examination of one of the books, AFP officers seized 350g of a white powdery substance, which initial testing has identified as heroin. Examinations are ongoing and it is suspected a total of approximately 5.6 kilograms of heroin is contained within a number of the books.

The AFP subsequently charged the men with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug contrary to Section 307.5(1) and by virtue of Section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

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

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

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/...o-charged-for-concealing-heroin-in-books.aspx

 

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Operation K9 targets drug use and anti-social behaviour - Port Macquarie

Police from the Mid North Coast Local Area Command have charged a number of people following a proactive operation targeting drink-driving, prohibited drug use and anti-social behaviour.

Operation K9, comprising officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, General Duties, the Dog Unit, and the Target Action Group, commenced at 4pm on Friday (17 August 2012) and finished at 4am yesterday (Sunday 19 August 2012).

Over the course of the operation, police:

Performed 175 roadside drug tests, with 13 (seven per cent) returning positive results;
Conducted 497 roadside breath tests with four returning positive results. This included a P2 Licence holder – a 23-year-old woman from Port Macquarie – returning a breath analysis reading of 0.139;
Charged four people – a 44-year-old man from Port Macquarie, a 24-year-old man from Hannam Vale, a 51-year-old male from Frederickton and a 55-year-old male from Macksville – for possessing prohibited drugs while in or around licensed premises;
Pursued and caught a 24-year-old man from Kempsey who failed to stop for police after being detected allegedly driving at excessive speed on Bloomfield Street, Kempsey, at 12am Saturday (18 August 2012);
Charged a 21-year-old Port Macquarie man for breaching his bail conditions after he was searched in Lord Street, Port Macquarie, at 3am on Saturday;
Issued 68 infringement notices for a variety of offences.
Chief Inspector Shane Cribb from the Mid North Coast LAC said police were pleased with K9’s results but were equally concerned by some of the findings.

“We are particularly surprised and concerned by the percentage of motorists returning a positive indication for drugs,” Chief Inspector Cribb said.

“This is an area we will pay particular attention to going forward, as the risk of someone being seriously injured or killed increases substantially when a drug-affected person takes control of a motor vehicle.”

Chief Inspector Cribb added that police would continue to target anti-social behaviour throughout the spring and summer months.

“We will continue to conduct proactive patrols on Friday and Saturday nights, particularly in areas where there is a concentration of licensed venues,” Chief Inspector Cribb said.

“We have no problem with people heading out and enjoying a few drinks, but we will not tolerate those who overstep the mark and choose to behave in anti-social manner.”

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