The Australian/NZ Drug Busts Mega-Thread Part Deux

[hoptis]

Melton members crack down on drugs
Monday, 09 November 2009 03:40

Victoria Police has stopped a significant amount of prescription drugs from being smuggled into the Melbourne Remand Centre following an intelligence-led operation.

With the assistance of MRC prison staff, members from the Melton Crime Investigation Unit have arrested and charged three people over the past week-and-a-half for allegedly trying to transport Bupenorphine into the prison.

Police charged a 20-year-old Altona North woman with trafficking a drug of dependence and possessing a drug of dependence on October 30 after a search at the centre that same day revealed she was carrying Bupernorphine.

She has been bailed to appear at the Sunshine Magistrates' Court on January 20.

Police also charged a Flemington man and a Lalor man, both aged 38, with traffick drug of dependence and possessing a drug of dependence last Thursday after a search revealed they too, were allegedly planning to transport the drug into the prison.

They have both been bailed to appear at the Sunshine Magistrates' Court on February 15.

Acting Sergeant Andrew Eyries from the Melton CIU said the arrests followed a significant increase in positive drug tests.

"We believe that this operation may have discouraged any further attempts to get unlawful drugs into the prison," he said.

The operation is ongoing.

Vic Police News

 

[kingpin007]

Drug bust in Schoolies lead-up

Katrina Jones | November 9th, 2009

JUST weeks out from the annual Schoolies festival police have busted a drug lab, finding hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of methylamphetamine.

It is the second large bust in as many weeks and police say there will be more.

In recent months, Gold Coast police have discovered several set-ups, and the busts have kept millions of dollars worth of drugs off the street.

Coomera district detectives raided a shed in an industrial complex in Ormeau yesterday, finding an elaborate set-up with two to three litres of liquid methylamphetamine.

A 60-year-old man has been charged with permitting premises, with police alleging he had knowledge of the drug lab.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Procter said police expected more raids in coming weeks.

"There does seem to be an extra effort by drug dealers to produce drugs around this time, so we're ramping up our efforts to get drugs off the street ahead of Schoolies.

"You can only assume these sorts of drugs could end up at Schoolies.

He said police had acted on a tip-off.

The lab was set up in a shipping container at Darlington Park on Peachey Road.

Aside from the liquid meth, which police said could be used as speed or turned into ecstasy, one cannabis plant was found.

A metal keg used to mix the drugs was also located.

"It's quite a massive pick-up for us considering our district has only just started operation," said Sen-Sgt Procter.

"The lab was almost complete and the drugs would have been ready to almost hit the streets tomorrow."

Investigations are continuing.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/11/09/156405_gold-coast-news.html

 

[kingpin007]

Charges after 10,000 ecstasy pills found

* From: AAP
* November 10, 2009 11:54AM

TWO man have been charged with drug offences after police found 10,000 ecstasy tablets at home in Adelaide.

Police said the men, aged 20 and 49, were charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a controlled drug.

They were granted police bail to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court in January.

Detective Inspector John De Candia from the Drug Investigation Branch said the ecstasy was found during the search of a home at Paralowie, in Adelaide's northern suburbs, yesterday.

"Having the opportunity to remove a total of 10,000 ecstasy tablets from the streets is very rewarding," he said.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...tasy-pills-found/story-fn3dxiwe-1225796062877

 

[kingpin007]

Alleged school drug dealer cries in court

PAUL MILLAR

November 12, 2009


A TEENAGER, still dressed in his school polo shirt, sobbed in the dock yesterday after being charged with selling heroin to children at his Melbourne college.

Qung Huy (Robert) Tran, 18, buried his head in his hands while his mother and sister stole sideways glances at him and wiped away tears in the Ringwood Magistrates Court.

Tran was charged with trafficking and possession offences relating to selling drugs to fellow students at Wantirna College.

The year 11 student was arrested at a park near the college on Tuesday. Police allege he was carrying 38.5 grams of rock heroin concealed in his belt.

Searches of his home allegedly uncovered two packets of ecstasy tablets.

Police estimate the street value of the drugs at about $20,000.

Tran, who was due to sit exams next week, represented himself in an unsuccessful bail application.

The tears were gone as he questioned police evidence in a clear voice.

Tran also said he would surrender his passport and attend meetings with a youth worker.

''I really want to go home and if I get home I will stay home,'' Tran said.

Police argued that the offences were serious and had caused major disruption at the high school.

Senior Constable Chris Appleton said there was a real fear that Tran would reoffend to recoup his losses.

''There's some suggestion that some students are scared to make comments about Robert [Tran] and some teachers are intimidated by him,'' Senior Constable Appleton said.

He said the teenager had a $25,000 car, which he should not be able to afford as a student who worked part-time at a supermarket, even if his mother had chipped in $15,000.

''It's outside his means and we believe [it] comes from the proceeds of his drug activity,'' he said.

Senior Constable Appleton said staff at Wantirna College had alerted police to their suspicions of drug dealing at the school with Tran as the main suspect.

He said Tran has been observed surrounded by numerous children in a locker area and when teachers approached the group had scattered.

Senior Constable Appleton said police had staked out the school on Tuesday and watched Tran and two others take goods from a locker and go to the local park, where they were later arrested.

Tran was charged with trafficking heroin to minors, possessing heroin, possessing ecstasy and possessing banned fireworks.

Police also allege Tran was in possession of drug-trafficking equipment, including electronic scales, deal balloons, two mobile phones, a black book, spoon, pliers and plastic bags.

Tran was refused bail by Magistrate Kate Hawkins and remanded at a youth unit at the Melbourne Remand Centre until next Wednesday.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/alleged-school-drug-dealer-cries-in-court-20091111-i9yz.html

 

[kingpin007]

Child removed from cannabis house – Colyton

Thursday, 12 Nov 2009 11:07am

Two people have been charged after a child was found living in a cannabis house in Sydney’s west yesterday (11 November).

About 10pm officers from St Marys proactive crime team executed a search warrant at the address in Day Street, Colyton.

Inside the house they allegedly located a hydroponic setup with 173 cannabis plants.

A 27-year-old Bankstown woman and a 23-year-old Bankstown man were arrested at the address and taken to Penrith Police Station.

Police also found a three-month-old baby girl at the address, and she was taken into the care of DOCS. She is believed to be the daughter of the 27-year-old woman.

The woman was subsequently charged with cultivating a prohibited plant and exposing a child to the enhanced indoor cultivation of cannabis. She was bail refused to appear at Penrith Local Court this morning.

The 23-year-old man was charged with cultivating a commercial quantity of a prohibited plant, use electricity without authority and resist arrest. He was also bail refused to appear at Penrith Local Court this morning.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjg3MTguaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Mosman Hells Angel back in court on drug charges

12 Nov 09 @ 10:57am

Mosman’s Wayne Schneider, a high-ranking outlaw motorcycle gang member, is in court today on serious drugs charges.

The 31-year-old - believed to be a senior member of the Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang - was arrested by police in Jones St at Pyrmont yesterday.

It follows a lengthy joint-investigation by detectives from NSW Police Force’s Gangs Squad, the Australian Crime Commission and NSW Crime Commission.

Gangs Squad detectives formed Strike Force Wolsley in August last year to target the alleged manufacture and trafficking of illicit drugs by the Hells Angels and their criminal associates.

It’s alleged the Hells Angels have been involved in trafficking large amounts of 1,4-Butanediol between Sydney and Melbourne.

Following his arrest, Schneider was taken to City Central and charged with supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug.

He was on strict bail conditions after, back in July, police charged him with dealing in property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.

He’s been refused bail to appear in Central Court today.

http://mosman-daily.whereilive.com.au/news/story/mosman-hells-angel-back-in-court-on-drug-charges/

 

[kingpin007]

^^^

I think the mosman daily media group will get into trouble for displaying his face considering he is still innocent until proven guilty ... lol

 

[kingpin007]

Three arrested, charged by Bankstown police following drug operation
Friday, 13 Nov 2009 02:14pm

Police in Sydney’s south-west have arrested and charged three people following an operation targeting drug supply in the Bankstown area.

Detectives attached to Bankstown Local Area Command formed Task Force Aukane to investigate the street-level supply of cannabis & amphetamine.

Following lengthy inquiries, two men were arrested by police during a covert operation in the car park of a public swimming centre at Liverpool yesterday (Thursday 12 November).

A woman was arrested during a subsequent raid on a Hinchinbrook house, which allegedly turned up a loaded shortened firearm, ammunition, cash and cannabis.

The trio was taken to Bankstown Police Station for questioning.

A 33-year-old Panania man was subsequently charged with 13 offences, including supply prohibited drug (six counts), supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, firearms offences and dealing with property suspected proceeds of crime.

A 29-year-old Wattle Grove woman was charged with 15 offences, including supply prohibited drug (four counts), supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, possess prohibited drug (five counts) and dealing with property suspected proceeds of crime (four counts).

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old Granville man was charged with drive whilst disqualified (two counts), possess false instrument and use false instrument.

All three have been refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court today.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjg3NDUuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Coast dad's charges dropped after pill bust

Renee Redmond | November 14th, 2009

THE father of two men charged over a drug raid at his Robina unit that netted more than 1100 ecstasy pills yesterday had charges against him struck out.

Edward Compton, an invalid pensioner, had been conjointly charged with sons Ben and Justin over the alleged possession of dangerous drugs and cash found during a raid of his unit in June.

Magistrate Catherine Pirie discharged Edward Compton in Southport Magistrates Court yesterday, finding there was insufficient evidence to prove the $2780 in cash found in his pocket during the raid was the proceeds of crime.

The 61-year-old was also discharged in relation to possessing the drugs after the prosecution offered no evidence.

Justin Compton, 33, pleaded guilty to possession of 8g of what was believed to be crystal meth and was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment.

Ben Compton pleaded guilty to possession of more than 1100 ecstasy tablets.

The court was told the 24-year-old was wearing latex gloves and packing pills into bags when police burst into the unit.

Defence lawyer Chris Nyst said Ben Compton and his friends had been using drugs and he had decided to 'buy in bulk', seeing an opportunity for a mark-up.

"He was going to keep 100 pills for himself and the mark-up would cover the cost of his supply," he said.

Mr Nyst said his client was staying with his father at the time but had moved out with his fiancee and was 'drug free'.

Ms Pirie sentenced Compton to two years' probation and fined him $2500.

A conviction was recorded.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/11/14/158465_crime-and-court-news.html

 

[kingpin007]

$150,000 drugs stash 'found at the beach'

Emmaline Stigwood | November 14th, 2009

A GOLD Coast drug runner arrested with $150,000 in cash on the back seat of a car told police he found the money at the beach, a court has been told.

Brett William Young, 26, and Gianni-Orazio Santanoceto, 22, yesterday pleaded guilty to trafficking and supplying ecstasy and methylamphetamine.

The Supreme Court in Brisbane was told they were picked up in a large police operation into drug dealing on the Gold Coast last year.

Young was arrested in August in a car where the cash pile was found. Asked who it belonged to he said it was his and he had found it at the beach, the court was told.

Evidence was undercover police bought three lots of 1000 ecstasy pills worth about $30,000 through Santanoceto, who worked for a man higher up in the drug ring yet to be dealt with by the court. Young was named as a more minor runner.

Justice Peter Lyons said he would disregard possession of the money because it was the subject of a separate charge before Southport Magistrates Court.

He sentenced Young to four years in jail to serve 16 months and Santanoceto to four years and six months, to serve 18 months.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/11/14/157815_crime-and-court-news.html

 

[kingpin007]

Two charged after St Lucia drug busts

SCOTT CASEY

November 17, 2009 - 5:28PM

Two men have been charged after police mounted a major drug bust at several St Lucia residences this morning.

Police this afternoon said one man had been charged with several drug offences, including drug importation, trafficking, and production of cannabis and amphetamines.

A second man was charged with possessing cannabis and producing a dangerous drug.

Search warrants were executed at four properties on Sir Fred Schonell Drive and The Esplanade by members of the Organised Crime Investigation Unit and Indooroopilly Criminal Investigation Bureau early this morning, seizing about 750 marijuana plants, $15,000 in cash and cars believed to be the proceeds of crime.

Bags of cut and dried marijuana and hydroponic equipment valued at $70,000 were confiscated.

Police detained eight people in relation to the haul, all of Vietnamese origin. A police spokeswoman said in addition to the two charged, six were still "assisting police" in their investigation.

"We have recovered quite and extravagant hydroponic setup run by an organised group involved in the manufacture, distribution of hydroponic cannabis," Detective Inspector Mark Ainsworth said

As well as the equipment and live plants police, seized 10 kilograms of marijuana which was drying in bags.

Detective Inspector Ainsworth said police believed the group had been operating in the area for some time.

In one house on Sir Fred Schonell Drive the entire upstairs level had been converted for the production of marijuana, with windows blacked out, lights, fans and a hydroponic system in operation.

"They are a very organised group there's a number of people acting in conjunction with one another and I think the methodology they have taken to grow these plants and the set-up indicates they are a very organised group," he said.

Workers from Energex were inspecting the premises today to see whether the group had tapped into the local power supply.

"We've had assistance from Energex here today and they are still making inquiries into the power supply but all I can say is the power usage of this residence is very high," Detective Inspector Ainsworth said.

Police have yet to estimate the street value of the drugs.

Both men have been held in custody and are due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/two-charged-after-st-lucia-drug-busts-20091117-ij26.html

 

[kingpin007]

Three people charged and clan lab dismantled following operation targeting drug manufacture – Drug Squad

Wednesday, 18 Nov 2009 01:36pm

Drug Squad detectives have arrested and charged three people and dismantled a clandestine laboratory in Meadowbank following a successful operation targeting drug manufacture.

Detectives yesterday executed search warrants at three locations including homes on Constitution Road at Meadowbank about 4.30pm, Sutherland Road at Jannali about 10am, and Windsor Road at Kellyville about 6.20am.

At the Meadowbank address, police located an active clandestine laboratory within a shed on the property and will allege it was being used in the manufacture of methylamphetamine.

A number of items were seized from the premises including a pill press, glassware, and chemicals, as well as 1kg of cannabis leaf, a quantity of methylamphetamine, and a sum of cash. Police are currently at the scene in the process of dismantling the lab.

A 41-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested at the scene.

They have each been charged with manufacture and supply prohibited drug and have both been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today.

During the search warrant at Jannali, police located and seized shortened .22 calibre firearm, an amount of ammunition, relevant documents, a stolen Kawasaki Motorcycle, and a quantity of cannabis seeds.

A 47-year-old man was arrested at the Kellyville property and was taken to Castle Hill Police Station where he was charged with knowingly take part in the manufacture of a prohibited drug. This relates to a clandestine laboratory located at Ingleburn on 10 September 2009.

He’s been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on 19 November 2009.

These developments follow the previous discovery by police of a clandestine laboratory at Ingleburn on 10 September this year, where a 37-year-old man was arrested and charged.

Strike Force Hawkshead comprises detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug Squad and was established to investigate the alleged manufacture of prohibited drugs. Investigations are continuing.

Detectives urge anyone with information about drug manufacture or suspicious behaviour in their area, to contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjg4MjIuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Ecstasy, pill press seized



FRANCES STEWART

November 20, 2009 11:11am

ABOUT 1500 pills suspected to be ecstasy were seized by police yesterday, along with a pill press, in a raid on a Parafield Gardens home.

Detectives from the Drug Investigation Branch arrested two Parafield Gardens men, aged 33 and 35, for drug trafficking and possessing equipment to manufacture drugs.

Acting officer in charge of the drug investigation branch, Detective Inspector John De Candia, said the haul would take dangerous drugs off the streets.

"We welcome any opportunity to be able to disrupt the activities of those involved in serious organised crime and taking away the tools of the trade that they use to produce these pills is another way of dismantling their operations that cause harm to others," he said.

The two men will appear in court at a later date.

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26375819-2682,00.html?from=public_rss

 

[kingpin007]

Police seize large quantity of MDMA and cocaine on Gold Coast

23.11.09

Police have charged a 25-year-old man after intercepting a car allegedly containing approximately 7,000 ecstasy tablets and 85 grams of cocaine on the Gold Coast this afternoon.

Late today, detectives from the State Crime Operations Command Organised Crime Group intercepted a car on the Tugun bypass at Tugun on the Gold Coast. Police searched the car, containing one man, and allegedly uncovered the tablets (which are believed to be MDMA or ecstasy) and powder (believed to be cocaine).

Detective Superintendent Gayle Hogan of the Organised Crime Group said while the location of this many illicit drugs is a positive result for police, it is also disturbing given the timing.

“It is important to acknowledge the proactive investigation and good police work that contributed to this arrest, but we cannot ignore the timing and size of this seizure. In the past we have made similar seizures where quantities of dangerous drugs were bound for Schoolies. It is definitely a concern all of these drugs may have been headed for the same destination.

“This is certainly a large quantity of dangerous drugs and we estimate their value to be approximately $300,000,” Detective Superintendent Hogan said.
The man has been charged with one count of trafficking, three counts of possession of dangerous drugs and possession of property used in the commission of a crime. He will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow morning.

http://www.australia.to/index.php?o...e-on-gold-coast-&catid=157:just-in&Itemid=310

 

[kingpin007]

Man in court over alleged drug lab

Felicity Caldwell And Andrew Korner | 25th November 2009


AN IPSWICH man faced court yesterday after police allegedly discovered a sophisticated drug lab and weapons in his home.

Police searched the Wattle Street house in North Booval at 6pm on Monday, allegedly discovering the clandestine “speed” laboratory and a sawn-off .22 rifle.

A surveillance system used to monitor the home’s entry points and a tin of pepper spray were also allegedly found.

The 22-year-old arrived home while police searched the property and officers allegedly discovered cold and flu tablets and a knuckle duster in his car.

Chris Norman Howell allegedly told police he had others buy the tablets but the drugs were for personal use.

Howell faced Ipswich Magistrates Court yesterday and was granted bail to live with his parents in Rosewood.

But prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Carmont opposed bail, arguing Howell was a risk to the community.

“He has gone to collect the cold and flu tablets armed with the knuckle duster – clearly there is a danger to other persons,” Sgt Carmont said.

Defence lawyer Matthew Fairclough said his client had cooperated with authorities and there was a low risk of him re-offending.

Acting Senior Sergeant Tom Armitt said the 22-year-old had been producing large quantities of methylamphetamine at the facility for at least three months and operated alone.

“It is an extremely sophisticated lab – there are hundreds of pieces,” he said.

“It has taken an entire Illicit Laboratory Investigation Team (ILIT) and two government chemists to dismantle and safely take the individual pieces away as exhibits.”

Howell faces numerous charges including possessing weapons, utensils and supplying and producing dangerous drugs. He will appear in court on January 20.

http://www.qt.com.au/story/2009/11/25/man-in-court-over-alleged-drug-lab/

 

[kingpin007]

Undercover police operation nets alleged drug supplier – Chifley Local Area Command

Friday, 27 Nov 2009 05:14am

A man will face court on drugs charges after allegedly supplying undercover police with prohibited drugs at Wallerawang in the state’s central western region.

Earlier this month Lithgow detectives established Strike Force Longjump to investigate the supply of amphetamines in the Wallerawang area.

During the investigation, police will allege a 44-year-old man sold methylamphetamine (ice) to undercover police officers on a number of occasions.

About 3:25pm yesterday, police raided the man’s house in Main Street, Wallerawang where they allegedly seized a large amount of cash and drug paraphernalia including scales, glass pipes and syringes.

The 44-year-old was arrested at his home and taken to Bathurst Police Station where he was charged with three counts of supplying a prohibited drug and one count each of ongoing supply of a prohibited drug and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.

He was refused bail and is expected to appear at Bathurst Local Court today.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjg5MzkuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[kingpin007]

Police seize $1.25million cannabis from bushland – Coffs/Clarence LAC

Friday, 27 Nov 2009 05:19am

Police on the state’s north coast have discovered more than 1,200 cannabis plants growing in dense bushland this week.

During the three-day operation focused on national parkland in the Coffs Harbour region, police uncovered and seized 1,242 cannabis plants up to 1.5m in height.

The drugs have an estimated street value of $1.25 million.

Local police were supported by officers from State Crime Command’s Drug and Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squads, Polair and the Dog Unit during the operation.

The largest crops were uncovered near Glenreagh (541 plants), Cascade (315 plants) and Dorrigo (295 plants).

The Bellingen, Dundarrabin, Nymboida and Woolgoolga areas were also targeted by police.

As a result of inquiries, police have issued a 35-year-old man a notice to appear in Coffs Harbour on 11 January 2010 on a charge of cultivating a prohibited plant.

However, Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Cameron Lindsay, said police expect to make further arrests.

“Investigators are continuing their inquiries into this substantial haul of cannabis and we do expect to make further arrests,” Det Insp Lindsay said.

“The Coffs/Clarence LAC Cannabis Eradication Program has already been very successful in locating large cannabis crops being grown illegally locally and we’ll continue to run similar operations into the future,” he said.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/l...nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjg5NDAuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ==

 

[modoq]

Vicious dealer's reign of terror

DAVID KILLICK | November 26, 2009 08:02am

A VIOLENT Hobart drug dealer yesterday admitted viciously bashing two women to frighten off competition on his turf.

Gavin Raymond McIntosh -- who has a history of violence against women -- punched one of the women so hard in the face that he fractured her eye socket and cheekbone.

He forced the other woman to drive to a remote location before punching her in the face, leaving her with lasting injuries.

The victims were so afraid of McIntosh that they did not receive proper treatment for their injuries and had been left disfigured, the Supreme Court was told yesterday.

McIntosh, 32, of Claremont pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, assault, demanding money with menaces, stealing a motor vehicle and unlawfully setting fire to property.

Dressed in a suit and open-necked shirt, the former boilermaker sat impassive in the dock as prosecutors recounted the chilling details of his crimes.

Crown Prosecutor Nick Perks told the court McIntosh and three others met an old associate at a property in West Moonah on October 8 last year and gave her an ultimatum: to buy her methamphetamine from them or stop selling drugs altogether.

"Do you think we're not serious? Don't make us come looking for you," he said.

On October 14, McIntosh went looking for the woman at a friend's house.

When the friend denied knowing where the woman was and refused to call her, McIntosh punched her so hard in the face he fractured her eye socket and cheekbone, causing nerve damage.

The woman staggered outside before collapsing in the street.

In her victim impact statement, which was read to the court, the woman said she could still remember her young child screaming during the attack, which had turned her into a paranoid recluse.

"I have a very noticeable scar under my eye and every time I look at it I am reminded of it," she said.

On October 16, McIntosh and his girlfriend caught up with the woman he had earlier threatened and told her: "We're going for a drive".

He made her drive her car to the top of Chapel St, Glenorchy and park it.

They walked a short distance and he demanded money and drugs before punching her in the face. He then left, stole her car and set it alight.

After regaining consciousness, she walked down Chapel St where a shopkeeper called triple-0.

She was too terrified to tell police, ambulance officers or doctors what had happened and discharged herself from hospital early and went into hiding.

Although she eventually had surgery, she still suffers from headaches and impaired speech and has difficulty eating.

McIntosh has prior convictions for assault causing grievous bodily harm, armed robbery and injuring property.

In May this year, he was sentenced to nine months' jail for hitting a woman in the face with a broken table leg.

He will be sentenced on a date to be fixed.

Retrieved from here

 

[modoq]

Dozens of revellers caught with drugs at dance festival – Moore Park

Sunday, 29 Nov 2009 05:08am

Police have charged dozens of revellers with drug offences at a dance festival at Moore Park, in Sydney’s east.

Police from the Surry Hills and Rose Bay Local Area Commands, the Redfern Region Enforcement Squad and City Commuter Crime Unit conducted a high-visibility operation to ensure the safety and security of the estimated 29,000-strong crowd at yesterday’s Stereosonic Dance Festival.

Two drug detection dogs were used to sniff-out revellers attempting to take illegal substances into the event, held between 12noon and 10pm at the Hordern Pavillion and surrounding buildings.

As a result, police charged one person with drug supply and 68 others with drug possession.

One person received a cannabis caution, while 28 infringement notices were issued to underage persons attempting to gain access to the event using fake identification.

“These operations are not about us being the fun police, they are about us making sure revellers can have a good time in a safe, secure and drug-free environment,” Inspector Rob Adam from Surry Hills Local Area Command said.

“The crowd was generally well-behaved but obviously it’s disappointing to find people willing to try and get drugs into these events,” Insp Adam said.

“We don’t apologise for using our detection dogs to sniff out these substances because they do pose a serious health risk and indeed can be lethal,” he said.

Retrieved from here

 

[kingpin007]

Third cocaine bust in a week

Carenda Jenkin

Monday, November 30, 2009

© The Cairns Post

THE trend of hardcore illicit drugs being sold in Cairns nightclubs has reared its ugly head again, police say.

It follows what police say is the third cocaine bust in the Far North in the past week.

Police allegedly uncovered a stash of cocaine, MDMA - a powder form of ecstasy - LSD tablets, marijuana, cash and a knife in a car.

The drugs are believed to have a combined street value of more than $50,000.

After a tip-off about 1.20am on Saturday, police stopped two men heading north along the Bruce Highway at Tully. Officers allegedly found 50g of cocaine, 59g of MDMA, 25 LSD tablets along with a small quantity of cannabis.

The amount of cocaine found could fetch up to $20,000, while the LSD tablets could fetch between $20 and $30 each.

Police searched the car and seized the drugs, cash and knife from the front passenger side door, middle console and in a bag.

Two men were charged and taken to Innisfail watchhouse for questioning.

Brinsmead man Andrew Allister Merrick, 35, was charged with trafficking dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing anything used in the commission of a crime.

Nat Johnson, a 28-year-old from Byfield, north of Rockhampton, was charged with possessing dangerous drugs and possessing a knife in a public place.

The two men appeared briefly in the Innisfail Magistrate's Court on Saturday.

The men have been remanded.

Far North regional drug squad Det Sgt Brad Grace told The Cairns Post yesterday the "hard drugs" had always been around in Cairns.

"It targets the high socio-economic profile, mainly your white-collared workers and it's not common that they share their information around," Det Sgt Grace said.

"It's certainly making its way into the nightclubs and it's not common for a dealer to have MDMA as well as cocaine."

On Thursday, officers found $150,000 worth of cocaine that was stashed in a rear speaker box near the Hambledon Hotel.

$150,000 cocaine stashed in stereo

A trio of Port Douglas and Mossman schoolies, all aged 17, were arrested for possessing cocaine, marijuana and rum on November 21.

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/11/30/79005_local-news.html