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

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Gang boss 'Porky' jailed for drugs

One of the major players supplying Wellington and Wairarapa with methamphetamine has been jailed for 15 years.

Paul Peter Mawana Rodgers, also known as Porky Rimene, 40, was captain of the Wellington chapter of the Nomads gang and had a private sideline dealing drugs.

At the High Court in Wellington today Justice Stephen Kos said Rodgers had received at least $800,000 from unknown sources between January 2009 and February 2011, and that was likely to be a conservative estimate of what he made from drug dealing.

From July 2009 to February 2011 Rodgers was also receiving a welfare benefit.

Rodgers pleaded guilty but disputed the scale of his dealing.

Justice Kos accepted Rodgers had received at least 1.6kg of methamphetamine at least 60% pure, which he then "cut" and sold at the usual un-cut rate of about $100 for 0.1g.

The judge noted the irony that Rodgers cheating his customers by selling below-strength drugs counted in his favour as he was sentenced on the basis of the lower un-cut weight rather than when it was doubled to more than 3.3 kg by cutting.

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However Justice Kos said he also took into account that "cutting" meant more people were supplied and were in debt to Rodgers who enforced payment by violence and taking their belongings in lieu of cash.

The court heard Rodgers liked to spend his money on classic American V8 cars and customised motorbikes.

Rodgers pleaded guilty to supplying, offering, and conspiring to supply methamphetamine, taking part in an organised criminal group, conspiring to supply cannabis, conspiring to obstruct the course of justice, and money laundering.

He must serve at least seven years and six months in jail before he can be considered for parole.

Rodgers had tried to show he had at times used quite large quantities himself so had less available to sell, but Justice Kos disbelieved evidence about the scale of Rodgers' personal use.

Rodgers had also tried to prove more than 200g of methamphetamine was lost when a buried canister was moved by a bulldozer working on public land in Newtown.

The judge preferred the evidence of one of Rodgers' co-offenders who said the drug had been found after an anxious search.

Although Rodgers had used methamphetamine he virtually gave up in a bid to control his violence against his partner and so he could keep his wits about him as his drug business grew.

Cognitive difficulties and memory loss were said to be hangovers from his drug-taking days.

Rodgers has more than 120 previous convictions, mostly for violence and driving offences, with only two convictions for drugs.

paul_peter_mawana_rodgers__aka_porky_rimene_N2.jpg

Paul Peter Mawana Rodgers, also known as Porky Rimene. - Source: Fairfax

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/gang-boss-porky-jailed-drugs-5068811
 
Hawera drug bust

A dozen Hawera police and a drug dog executed a search warrant on a Black Power member's home yesterday afternoon.

Detective sergeant Frank Melhop said at 4pm police searched the Albion St home.

They found 17 cannabis tinnies, four ounces of cannabis and $389 in cash.

A 42-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession for supply.

He appeared in New Plymouth District Court today and was bailed to appear again in Hawera on Tuesday.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/7633598/Hawera-drug-bust
 
Wynn Vale man arrested on drugs charges

Holden Hill police arrested an 18-year-old man from Wynn Vale yesterday after a search of his house uncovered 116 ecstasy tablets, 3 grams of amphetamine paste, prescription drugs along with a quantity of cash and drug related paraphernalia.

He has been charged with trafficking a controlled drug, possessing a prescription drug without a prescription and unlawful possession and was bailed to appear in court later this month.

http://www.sapolicenews.com.au/comp...-wynn-vale-man-arrested-on-drugs-charges.html
 
Man arrested at Thebarton on drugs charge

Police from Operation Mantle arrested a 51-year-old Thebarton man yesterday after he was observed allegedly conducting a drug transaction near a school in Neville Road at Thebarton.

A search of his home uncovered a Taser and six resalable plastic bags believed to contain methamphetamine.

He has been charged him with selling a controlled drug in a prescribed area and possess a dangerous article.

The man has been bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later next month.

http://www.sapolicenews.com.au/comp...an-arrested-at-thebarton-on-drugs-charge.html
 
Hat-trick on Hindley: 3 drug arrests

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Three men have been arrested in separate incidents overnight after they were suspected of dealing drugs in the vicinity of Hindley Street, as part of an ongoing operation in Adelaide.


A 19-year-old man from Glenelg was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled drug, and unlawful possession. Police will allege they located 43 tablets suspected of being ecstasy after conducting a search.

A 20-year-old man from Andrews Farm was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled drug, after police allegedly found nine tablets suspected of being ecstasy after conducting a search.

A 21-year-old man from Greenacres was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled drug, and unlawful possession. Police will allege they located 44 tablets suspected of being ecstasy after searching him and the car he was in.

All three were bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court at a later date.

http://www.sapolicenews.com.au/comp...9779-hat-trick-on-hindley-3-drug-arrests.html
 
Operation Sentinel 7 results, Gold Coast

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Police have conducted Operation Sentinel 7 on the Gold Coast overnight, targeting illicit drug possession and anti-social behaviour within the entertainment precincts in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The operation involved plain clothes and uniformed officers from the Gold Coast, as well as State Crime Operations Command, Operations Support Command and passive drug detection dogs.

Operation Sentinel is a series of recurring operations designed to ensure the Gold Coast entertainment precincts are safe and secure places for people to live, work and visit.

The first operation was conducted in March 2011, with a view to reduce the consequences of alcohol and drug related violence and harm.

Last night, police charged 14 people with 20 drug related offences, and sized a quantity of drugs, including crystal methamphetamines and liquid fantasy.

In addition, police charged 25 people with 44 charges including obstruct police, public nuisance and possession of tainted property.

Police are also working in partnership with many nightclub and business owners who invite police onto their premises to conduct passive drug detections.

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/blog/2012/09/08/operation-sentinel-7-results-gold-coast/
 
River patrols aim to stop smugglers

CHIANG RAI : Authorities have stepped up efforts against drug smuggling from Myanmar by introducing patrols along a river in Mae Sai district.

The Pa Muang Task Force, police and customs officers have extended their patrols to cover the Ruak River in Chiang Saen district, which divides Myanmar and Thailand, the Marine Police Division said.

The joint patrols previously covered Sai Lom market to Ko Sai community in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district, opposite Tachilek in Myanmar.

The move follows a call by deputy premier Chalerm Yubamrung for a clampdown on drug trafficking along border rivers.

Mr Chalerm on Thursday voiced concern over illicit drugs that are mainly produced by armed ethnic groups in Myanmar and smuggled into Thailand. He also claimed Vietnam was a trafficking route for precursor chemicals used to manufacture the drugs.

The problem has shown no sign of abating. The United Wa State Army (UWSA) is continuing to produce methamphetamine, or ya ba, at its major bases in Mong Yawn, opposite Chiang Rai's Mae Fa Luang district, and in Ban Hong, opposite Mae Hong Son province, according to a Pa Muang Task Force source.

" The UWSA group under Wei Hsueh-kang and Wei Tsai-tang is still producing ya ba. Myanmar's move towards democracy has not halted drug production by some minorities," he said.

"They want money to buy arms because they feel uneasy about [peace] talks with Nay Pyi Taw."

Political unrest and the insurgency in the deep South have limited anti-drug efforts along northern borders in the past six years, he said. Since the 2006 coup, many soldiers have had to monitor local red shirts while others are in Yala to help deal with the unrest there.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/311423/river-patrols-aim-to-stop-smugglers
 
Hindley Street drug arrests

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Eastern Adelaide Police and Hindley Street uniformed tactical team continue to target illicit drug dealing in the vicinity of Hindley Street and arrested three people overnight in two separate incidents.

At about 12.30am, police observed a man engaging in suspicious activity while in his car in the CBD.

With the assistance of Dog Operations, police searched the man's car and will allege seven ecstasy tablets were found inside.

A subsequent search of his Henley Beach home led to the discovery of a further 114 ecstasy tablets and an amount of cash.

He was charged with trafficking in a controlled drug & unlawful possession.

At about 12.40am, police arrested and charged an 18-year-old man from Hyde Park and an 18-year-old woman from Campbelltown with trafficking a controlled drug.

At about 12.40am, police will allege the pair were acting suspicously in a car near Hindley Street.

Police searched the car and will allege 411 ecstasy tablets were found inside. Both were arrested.

At about 3.30am the man's Hyde Park home was searched followed by a search of the woman's Campbelltown home.

No further illicit drugs were found but police will allege further evidence to substantiate the drug dealing was uncovered.

All three arrested were released on police bail to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 10 October 2012.

http://www.sapolicenews.com.au/comp.../4-news/9789-hindley-street-drug-arrests.html
 
Drug busts rise as net expands

FEDERAL police seized more than 1.5 times the amount of drug precursor chemicals and double the value of criminal assets last financial year compared to the previous 12 months.
The Australian Federal Police has released the figures to The Sun-Herald to mark the third anniversary of a new approach to solving crime.

Kevin Zuccato, the AFP's head of serious and organised crime, said the results come from increased sharing of information between the AFP and government departments in Australia and overseas agencies.
"Many of our great investigations have had an international flavour," Mr Zuccato said.
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While drug busts have increased in Australia, breakthroughs have also been made overseas with the help of the AFP, including:

- In Thailand an AFP chemist and a bomb data technician helped local police uncover 450 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and improvised explosive devices.

- AFP intelligence in Cambodia led to the seizure of 4100 litres of safrole oil in September last year and seven Vietnamese and Cambodians being charged. It could have made 25.7 million ecstasy tablets, some destined for Australia.
- AFP officers in Rangoon helped local police seize 576 kilograms of pseudoephedrine and 4.5 kilograms of ephedrine.
The AFP has more than 90 officers overseas, and the number of foreign police the AFP has trained is increasing.

The Australian agency gives foreign police scooters, computers and boats and sets them up in offices. "We're not talking about big dollars," Mr Zuccato said. "We do this work offshore to make sure Australia doesn't have to pay for a prosecution and pay for incarceration [of criminals]."

Last financial year, the AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce seized $97.4 million in assets, an increase of more than $55 million on the previous year. The AFP seized almost 14 tonnes of drugs and drug ingredients in 2011-12. This was a 164 per cent – 8.6 tonne – increase on the 5.2 tonnes seized the previous financial year.

And it is more than 11 times the 1.2 tonnes seized in the 2009-10 financial year.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/drug-busts-rise-as-net-expands-20120908-25ku6.html
 
Man charged over drugs - Surry Hills

A man will face court after being charged with drug possession in Sydney overnight.

About 11pm yesterday (Saturday 8 September 2012), police officers stopped a man on Oxford Street Surry Hills.

He was searched by police who allegedly located a number of tablets in his possession.

The drugs, believed to be ‘ecstasy,’ were seized by police.

The 45-year-old was arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station.

During a search of his belongings, police allegedly located a number of bags of white powder in his wallet.

The white substance was seized by police and will undergo forensic testing.

About 4.20am today (Sunday 9 September 2012), police executed a search warrant at an address in Croydon.

During the search, police allegedly located an amount of prohibited drugs.

These were seized by police and will undergo forensic examination.

The 45-year-old was charged with five counts of possessing a prohibited drug; and, three counts of supplying a prohibited drug.

He was refused bail and will appear in Downing Centre Local Court tomorrow (Monday 10 September 2012).

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI1NDcyLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
Arrest drug trafficking, Gladstone

An 18-year-old man is due to appear before the Gladstone Magistrates Court on multiple drug trafficking charges next month.

It will be alleged police found the man in possession of a large quantity of drugs at a licensed premises on Goondoon Street, Gladstone just after midnight.

The Gladstone man has been charged with one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs, receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking, possess utensils, producing dangerous drugs and two counts of possessing dangerous drugs.

He is due to appear before court on October 2, 2012.

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/blog/2012/09/09/arrest-drug-trafficking-gladstone/
 
Police renew warning about taking illicit drugs - Tuggerah Lakes

Tuggerah Lakes Police are issuing a warning to illicit drug users in the region to be cautious when administering drugs, after a man died and a number of other people were affected over the weekend.

About 9.40pm, Saturday 8 September, 2012, police attended Wyong Hospital following reports of a deceased male. Police inquiries reveal the 24-year-old may have been the victim of a drug overdose.

Police will prepare a brief for the information of the Coroner.

Last night, (Sunday 9 September, 2012), police and emergency services attended a house in Jacqueline Avenue, Gorokan. A 21-year-old man was taken to Wyong Hospital also suffering from a suspected drug overdose. He was placed in an induced coma and remains in a stable condition.

In both incidents it is believed the men had taken MDMA and ecstasy and a number of other people have reported similar adverse affects.

Tuggerah Lakes Crime Manager, Detective Inspector David Waddell, said police want to warn drug users about the dangers of administering drugs.

“Taking illegal drugs will always pose to be a health risk,” he said.

“We believe a number of other incidents involving drug overdoses in Tuggerah Lakes area occurred over the weekend, however have not been reported to police.

“Every time you take illicit drugs you’re not only breaking the law, you are also risking your life,” said Insp Waddell.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI1NDk3Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
Woman charged after drugs found during

Police have charged a woman after discovering drugs in her car during a vehicle stop at Kingswood.

About 9:40pm, Saturday 8 September 2012, police from St Marys Local Area Command stopped a black Mazda 2 on Second Avenue for the purposes of a random breath test.

After speaking with the 28-year-old female driver it was discovered she had a suspended licence.

Suspicions led police to search her vehicle where they allegedly located an amount of ecstasy, amphetamines and prescription medication secreted in her handbag and make-up bag.

The woman from Claremont Meadows was submitted to a search where police allegedly found an envelope containing more drugs secreted down the front of her pants.

She was arrested and taken to St Marys Police Station where she was charged with two counts each of possess prohibited drug and possess prescribed restricted substance and granted bail to appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday 20 September 2012.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI1NDg5Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
Drink and drug affected drivers stopped - Traffic and Highway Patrol

Officers from the NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol have been left concerned by the reckless behaviour of some motorists over the weekend (Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September 2012).

Police were particularly dismayed by the state some drivers were found in when intercepted by Traffic and Highway Patrol officers.

Superintendent Stuart Smith, Operations Commander of the Traffic and Highway Patrol, said police would continue to do everything they could to keep drink and drug-affected drivers off the road.

“Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, it is immeasurably irresponsible and dangerous,” Superintendent Smith said.

“Motorists who drive while under the influence of any drug are automatically at greater risk of injuring or killing themselves, their passengers and other road users.”

“We will continue to conduct extensive testing for alcohol and drugs, and do everything we can to stop those motorists who are affected before they hurt themselves or others.”

Of note:

About 12.45am on Saturday (8 September 2012), police were called after motorists on the Pacific Highway near Nabiac reported seeing a white Toyota Hiace travelling north on the wrong side of the road. Traffic and Highway Patrol officers responded and soon located the vehicle, which had come to complete a stop in the second southbound lane on the Ella Simon Bridge (Pacific Highway), near Taree. Officers approached the vehicle and spoke to the driver, a 50-year-old man from Hallidays Point. He appeared intoxicated, however was unable to supply a roadside breath test. The man was arrested and taken to Taree Police Station, where he submitted to a breath analysis. The test returned a positive reading of 0.189 – nearly four times the legal limit – and the man was charged with high range PCA. Police will also allege the man drove a number of kilometres while on the wrong side of the road, using the southbound lanes of the highway to travel in a northerly direction. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Taree Local Court on Tuesday 9 October 2012.
About 1.15am on Saturday (8 September 2012), police detected an unregistered Ford Falcon station wagon driving along Richmond Road, Blacktown. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, however it accelerated away from police, reaching speeds of 130km/h in the signposted 60km/h zone. Police pursued the vehicle for a number of minutes before it came to a stop in Tulloch Street. The driver, a 53-year-old man from Blacktown, exited the vehicle and attempted to run from the scene but was caught by police after a short foot pursuit. He failed a sobriety test at the scene and was taken to Blacktown Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including breach of bail, drive vehicle recklessly furiously, drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, police pursuit (Skye’s law). The 53-year-old was refused bail and appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday (8 September 2012).
About 11.15am on Saturday (8 September 2012), police spotted a Hyundai Excel travelling well below the speed limit in a northerly direction along the M7, near the Sunnyholt Road exit. The vehicle veered in and out of lanes on the freeway, before crashing into a metal barrier. Police attended to the vehicle and found the driver, a 33-year-old woman from Hornsby Heights, asleep behind the wheel. Officers managed to wake the woman, who appeared to be very drowsy before conducting a breath test, which returned a negative result. A subsequent search of the car led to police finding approximately 60 grams of a substance, believed to be crystal methylamphetamine. The woman was taken to hospital for blood and urine testing and is expected to be charged once results are available.
About 11.35pm on Saturday (8 September 2012), police were called to the Pacific Highway in Brooklyn, after a 15 foot boat with two unrestrained people on board, fell off the back of the trailer upon which it was being towed and slid onto the other side of the road. The two men inside the boat were both thrown from the vessel onto the road, with one of the men sustaining head and neck injuries and the other dislocating his shoulder. The two men were taken to hospital by ambulance paramedics, while the driver of the Holden utility – a 21-year-old man from Kingswood – which was towing the boat was taken to Hornsby Police Station. The man participated in a breath analysis which returned a positive reading of 0.128, and was subsequently charged with mid-range PCA and had his licence suspended.
About 12.20am yesterday (Sunday 9 September 2012), Traffic and Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop a Nissan Skyline for the purpose of a random breath test on Pembroke Road, Minto. The vehicle failed to stop, and instead accelerated away from the police car. Officers pursued the Nissan, before the driver – a 23-year-old man from Leumeah – eventually lost control of the car and crashed it into the front hedge of a property on Pembroke Road. Police arrested the driver after a short foot pursuit and he was taken to Campbelltown Police Station, before being taken to hospital for treatment of injuries sustained as a result of the crash. While at hospital, the driver refused to submit to a blood test and was subsequently charged with numerous offences including:
Resist officer;
Police pursuit (Skye’s law);
Not stop vehicle when directed to do so;
Drive vehicle recklessly/furiously
Drive while disqualified from holding a licence;
Fail/refuse to allow sample of blood to be taken;
Assault officer in execution of duty
The 23-year-old has been refused bail and is scheduled to appear in Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday (12 September 2012).

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/m...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjI1NDk0Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE=
 
Major drug arrests – Charleville

Over the past two weeks Charleville Police have made numerous arrests and seized significant quantities of dangerous drugs as a result of two on going major operations ‘Fearswoop’ and ‘Wobbegong’.

On August 28 police executed a series of search warrants within the Charleville District resulting in eight people being charged on 11 offences including drug and utensil possession. These people are due to appear in court over the coming months.

On September 4, detectives searched a property near Quilpie and located a firearm, cannabis and other items.

A 49-year-old Quilpie man faces 11 charges including producing a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug and possession of an illegally modified firearm. He is due to appear in the Quilpie Magistrates Court on October 11.

Two men aged 41 and 56 have been charged after police located drugs during a search of two separate cars last months. On August 25 police located cannabis, methylamphetamine and ecstasy in a car in Charleville and on August 27 cannabis and other items in a car at Morven.

Both men will face the Charleville Magistrates Court on October 8

Officer in Charge of Charleville CIB, Detective Sergeant Darryl Benson said “The arrests and seizures are part of our ongoing strategy to reduce drug availability within the community.”

Charleville District Officer, Inspector Mick Dowie said “These results clearly demonstrate the local police are effectively policing drug and associated crime and information from the public is being put to good use.”

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/blog/2012/09/10/major-drug-arrests-charleville/
 
Crime round-up for Monday

North break-in

A MONEY tin holding more than $500 in spare change was just one of the items stolen in a home break-in at North Bundaberg at the weekend.

Bundaberg Police Sergeant Ricky Lynch said thieves broke into the Perry St home overnight Saturday.

Sgt Lynch said two mobile phones, Xbox controllers and a backpack were also stolen.

Drug diversion

A 19-YEAR-OLD backpacker was placed on a drug diversion program after he was caught carrying drugs in East Bundaberg.

Bundaberg Police Sergeant Ricky Lynch said the man had some marijuana and a drug utensil in his possession when he was located by police on Mary St at 12.24pm on Sunday.

Wallet pinched

A PUB patron who mistakenly left his wallet inside the venue returned to find it had been stolen.

Bundaberg Police Sergeant Ricky Lynch said the wallet had contained some cash when it was stolen shortly before 6pm Sunday.

Suspicious crash

BUNDABERG Police are appealing for public assistance following a single-car crash on Elliott Heads Rd on Sunday night.

Bundaberg Police Sergeant Ricky Lynch said the occupants of the car fled the scene shortly after 8.30pm.

Sgt Lynch said the car had been used in a stealing offence at Bundaberg Foodworks earlier in the day, where cigarettes and groceries were stolen by two young men.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or police on 4153 9111.

Man blows 0.169%

A 21-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with drink driving after he allegedly blew more than three times the legal blood alcohol limit.

Bundaberg Police Sergeant Ricky Lynch said the man was pulled over in Kepnock shortly after 8.30pm on Sunday night.

He returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.169% and will appear in Bundaberg Magistrates Court at a later date.

Woman busted

A WOMAN caught with marijuana seedlings and a drug utensil has been placed on a drug diversion program.

Bundaberg Police Sergeant Ricky Lynch said the woman was located in Bargara shortly before 7pm Sunday night.

http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2012/09/10/crime-round-monday/
 
Mark Ahern jailed for at least six months for shooting at Berwick home of Liberal MP Lorraine Wreford

A GUNMAN who fired shots at the home of a state Liberal MP over an alleged $5000 drug debt has been jailed for at least six months.

The Berwick home of Mordialloc MP Lorraine Wreford was sprayed with bullets in the early hours of July 5 last year over the alleged debt owed by her son.

Mark Ahern, 28, pleaded guilty to three charges including reckless conduct placing a person in danger of serious injury.

Three other men involved in the shooting have also pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident.

The Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard today Ahern was armed with an unlicensed pump-action rifle when he fired up to eight shots into Ms Wreford’s home and government car.

Shots were fired through the front door and window of the home with one grazing a couch and another hitting a wall near Ms Wreford’s bed.

In a victim impact statement Ms Wreford, who was asleep inside at the time, said she had been left traumatised by the attack.

The court heard Ms Wreford fled her home in the days after the shooting.

Prosecutor Peter Pickering told the court Ahern had discussed the idea of shooting at the home with several co-accused because of a “debt” owed to him.

Details of the debt were not revealed in court today.

But at a bail hearing for Ahern last year Detective Senior Constable Stephen Boyle claimed he had been chasing a $5000 drug debt from Ms Wreford’s son, Adrian.

Ahern was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with six months suspended.

He was also ordered to pay more than $2000 in compensation to Ms Wreford.

http://www.news.com.au/national/mar...lorraine-wreford/story-fndo4cq1-1226471157083
 
Man high on meth in 'cowardly' attack

A man who was drunk and high on methamphetamine smashed a ceramic mug and used it to slash the throat of an unsuspecting stranger in an "cowardly" early morning attack in central Gisborne.

Travis Malcolm Turipa, 28, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon outside the Emerald Hotel on June 29.

Gisborne District Court was told Turipa had a criminal record "littered with violence". He was jailed for four years.

The court heard Turipa's 24-year-old victim was sitting on a step talking to one of his attacker's friends when Turipa found the mug, broke it and struck him on the left side of his neck.

Turipa said: "I f***** you up."

The unsuspecting victim, who was looking away from Turipa at the time, suffered a 15-centimetre gash parallel to his jaw and was permanently scarred.

He was lucky the police station was close by, said Judge David Ruth.

The victim, who spoke in court, said he would "not be here" if not for the response of emergency services.


He sometimes found it difficult to get out of bed.

He suffered from depression, had little trust in strangers and lived in fear of callous violence.

He felt bitter and cheated.

Judge Ruth said earlier that night Turipa had smashed a beer bottle outside a city bar and used it to threaten a bystander before security guards intervened.

Turipa later told police his victim was being cheeky and making racist remarks.

Judge Ruth said Turipa had a criminal record "littered with violence".

There was a troubling and escalating trend in his offending, which included convictions for assaulting women and one for assaulting police.

Judge Ruth said it was to Turipa's discredit that he was under the influence of substances during the "cowardly" attack.

Turipa had been remanded in custody since that night and knew a lengthy jail term was inevitable.

Crown prosecutor Josh Lucas said the attack was extreme violence resulting in a serious injury that had lasting effects.

There were elements of premeditation - Turipa was out for a fight and caused a wound that could have been fatal, said Mr Lucas.

Turipa's lawyer Alistair Clarke said his client recalled little of the incident but accepted the attack was unprovoked.

- Gisborne Herald

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10833048
 
Trial of three men on cocaine charges aborted

he trial of three men facing cocaine charges has been aborted.

Kindness Onyedikachi Agwu, Bert Leonard Noel Jury and an Auckland gym owner pleaded not guilty to a total of 24 charges of importing, possessing and supplying the drug.

More than 2.4kg of it was seized by Customs in February 2010 and more than $470,000 was sent overseas in three months, the Crown told the jury.

The trial was aborted yesterday and a new date will be set next week.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10833178
 
Police: Man 'stupid' for huffing from LPG bottle

Police have described the actions of a Dunedin man as "stupid" after he was caught huffing from a stolen LPG bottle, just two months after two Mosgiel teenagers were seriously injured in an explosion while doing the same thing.

Acting Sergeant Murray Hewitson of Balclutha police said a 9kg LPG bottle was reported stolen from a caravan parked in a driveway in Milton on Sunday.

While searching the area, police found a man "huffing" - inhaling gas - from the stolen gas bottle.

"It was a pretty stupid thing to do considering what happened to those boys in Dunedin," Mr Hewitson said.

A 20-year-old Dunedin man was charged with theft and will appear in court at a later date.

In July two Mosgiel teenagers suffered critical injuries when an LPG exploded.

The blast blew tiles off the roof, displaced walls, smashed windows and sent debris flying across the street.

A third bottle exploded minutes later with such force it was found embedded in the wall.

Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean has since launched a review into butane huffing.

Last month a 17-year-old girl died at a park in Christchurch after huffing butane gas from cans with her friends.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10833212
 
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