The Australian/NZ Drug Busts Mega-Thread Part I

[Splatt]

Motorbike gang members intercepted, Caloundra:
09/11/2007

About 130 outlaw motorcycle gang members were intercepted by around 180 police officers at a mass intercept site on the Sunshine Coast this afternoon. The motorcyclists were travelling along Caloundra Road, Caloundra about 3.30pm, en route to this weekend’s Bandidos national conference, when they were stopped in a massive police road block.

The intercepting officers came from the North Coast Region, State Crime Operations Command, State Traffic Task Force and Taskforce Hydra. Also in attendance were three Queensland Transport inspectors. Approximately 60 traffic infringement notices were issued, and investigations are ongoing in relation to drugs and weapons offences after a quantity of illicit drugs and a concealable firearm were located.

QLD Police

 

[lil angel15]

Tiger jailed for cocaine deal
By Lisa Davies
November 10, 2007 12:00am

A FORMER Balmain rugby league player has been jailed for up to 20 years for his role in a drug cartel which planned to import 20kg of cocaine through corrupt baggage handlers at Sydney airport.

Leslie Robert Mara, 54, spent 18 months on the run after a joint police investigation arrested a number of people involved in the conspiracy in May 2005.

It was alleged he, along with the late Michael Hurley and Bondi surfer Shayne Hatfield, arranged for 10kg of the drug to be imported into Sydney from Argentina in October 2004 and planned to bring in a further 20kg early in 2005.

But police were tipped off when another kingpin of the operation, codenamed "Tom", walked into the NSW Crime Commission to detail the cartel's activities - past and present.

"Tom" was then deployed to record conversations secretly and trap the key players.

The plan, as detailed in an agreed statement of facts tendered to the District Court, involved baggage handlers removing a cocaine-packed suitcase at Sydney airport before it passed through Customs.

Mara and "Tom" collected the bag from a railway yard in inner-city Darlington.

The cocaine was then buried near Wahroonga, in northern Sydney, before distribution.

Mara told other syndicate members his associates at the airport should be paid $300,000.

The documents said Mara and Hurley were paid $540,000 for their part in the deal.

The syndicate planned a second importation of 20kg of cocaine but were unable to source the drugs in South America in time.

Mara, who was arrested on the South Coast of NSW with fake identity documents in the name of Alan Ross, pleaded guilty in August this year.

In a sentencing hearing, his lawyers argued he was not a major player in the group. He was an alcoholic who took part out of a sense of loyalty to Hurley.

Mara and Hurley had been friends since they were eight, when Hurley's mother gave Mara food and shelter at her home, the court heard.

But Judge Deborah Sweeney dismissed that argument saying Mara could certainly not be described as a "helpless alcoholic".

She said it was clear Mara was at the top of the hierarchy of the syndicate, and the listening devices revealed he took an active role in the importation.

Mara was sentenced to 20 years jail, with a non-parole period of 13 years. He will be eligible for parole on November 29, 2019.

Daily Telegraph

 

[Splatt]

Police crack down on anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related crime – Operation Mega Vikings
10 November 2007

Police were deployed overnight as part of Operation Mega Vikings with 33 arrests and 41 charges laid.

Operation Mega Vikings was implemented to reduce the incidents of street crime and anti-social behaviour, through the enforcement of licensing laws and reducing alcohol related crime in and around licensed premises.

Last night’s operation focused on high-visibility policing within the Central Metropolitan Region and also focused on reducing the incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime within the public transport infrastructure.

The operation resulted in 33 arrests, 41 charges, 93 move-on directions, 101 person searches and 242 inspections of licensed premises.

Incidents of note include:
• An 18-year-old Bellevue Hill man was arrested at Double Bay and charged with possess prohibited drug after allegedly being in possession of ecstasy tablets. He is due to appear at Waverley Local Court on 18 December.

• A 20-year-old woman was arrested at the The Rocks and charged with behave in an offensive manner and two counts of assault police. She is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on 11 January.

• A 26-year-old Guildford man was arrested by Redfern police after being stopped for a random breath test. He was allegedly found in possession of cash, a small amount of ice and two balaclavas.

• A 28-year-old man was arrested at Newtown and referred to the Department of Immigration over alleged visa breaches.

• A 21-year-old North Bondi man arrested at Bondi Beach and charged with maliciously inflict grievous bodily harm and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today.

Other incidents of note include a male arrested by Redfern Police over an alleged robbery in company and affray, an arrest by St George Police over an alleged assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray and four juvenile offenders arrested by Eastern Beaches police in relation to breach of bail.

Police also ordered the closure of a hotel in Dixon Street, Haymarket, at 3am today due to a series of liquor act breaches and violent incidents at the hotel.

After the closure of the hotel police located two pools of blood in the patrons’ area and female bathroom. A crime scene was set up and inquiries are continuing.

Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Dave Owens, praised the work of police during last night’s operation and is warning revellers that the police presence will be ongoing throughout the summer.

“Last night’s Operation Mega Vikings was a success and the results show that police are serious about targeting street crime and anti-social behaviour,” Assistant Commissioner Owens said.

“This firm approach also applies to licensed premises, as last night’s closure of a city hotel confirms.”

NSW Police

 

[lil angel15]

Traffic large amounts of drugs to Bass Strait
Mark Buttler
November 12, 2007 12:00am

A MAJOR crime ring has been caught using the postal service to traffic large amounts of drugs across Bass Strait.

More than $1 million in ecstasy, methamphetamine, cash and cars have been seized from the western suburbs-based group.

Detectives swooped on a mailbox in Williamstown last week and seized 1000 ecstasy tablets valued at $40,000 and 225g of methamphetamine, known as ice, worth $48,000.

The drugs were in an Express Post parcel marked to be sent to an address in Launceston.

Police will allege this was one of a number of large drug shipments made through the mail and that there is evidence of big cash deposits into bank accounts.

A Williamstown house was searched and 25,000 ecstasy tablets valued at $1 million and 900g of amphetamine confiscated. An industrial pill press and $17,000 was also seized.

Two hundred ecstasy tablets and 28g of speed were found at an Essendon house, and a loaded

sawn-off shotgun was seized from a Yarraville property. Two BMWs, a Ford Territory and furniture were confiscated as suspected proceeds of crime.

The investigation, codenamed Operation Ornate, also led officers to an Asian crime gang, which had been using false credit cards and driving licences to commit deceptions.

Officers from the Altona North regional response unit had been working on the gang since July with help from Australia Post investigators.

Sen-Sgt Greg Hewitt said there had clearly been a hefty turnover of drugs and money.

"It's a fantastic result. It's been an extremely lucrative operation," Sen-Sgt Hewitt said.

Four men and two women have been charged with trafficking ecstasy and methamphetamine.

Herald Sun

 

[lil angel15]

Five arrested as police dismantle major drug supply syndicate - Strike Force Emily
13 November 2007

Police have crushed a major drug supply syndicate following today’s arrest of five people in morning raids across the Hunter region.

Strike Force Emily was established by investigators attached to Waratah Local Area Command in July last year to investigate the alleged distribution of crystal methylamphetamine or ‘Ice’, methylamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy in and around Newcastle, the mid north coast and western New South Wales.

To date, strike force detectives have arrested and charged 13 people with drug offences, including supply and possession.

Following exhaustive inquiries, police from Waratah, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Hunter Valley Local Area Commands - with the assistance of the Operational Support Group and Dog Unit - executed search warrants on residences in New Lambton, Cardiff, Macquarie Hills and Warners Bay.

As a result of today’s raids, police seized two motor vehicles, electrical equipment, a quantity of drugs and approximately $40,000 in cash. Officers are continuing to search some of the properties.

Three men, aged 47, 63 and 66, and a 36-year-old woman were arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station where they were charged with a raft of offences, including supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs. They’ve been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today.

About 1pm, police attended Williamtown Airport and arrested a 65-year-old man as he arrived on a domestic flight from Melbourne.

The Macquarie Hills man was taken to Waratah Police Station and is currently assisting investigators with their inquiries.

Today’s operation takes to 18, the total number of people arrested as a result of Strike Force Emily.

Waratah Local Area Commander, Superintendent David Swilks, has praised the officers involved in the lengthy investigation for their efforts.

“We have had a string of successes over the last few years where we have been able to disband entire drug distribution networks. This latest strike force has been possible through the intelligence we have been able to gather from a number of sources, including members of the community,” Superintendent Swilks said. “Strike Force Emily was initiated mid 2006 and since then we have we have now arrested a total of 18 people for their alleged involvement in the distribution or use of a variety of drugs.”

“The success of this operation demonstrates just how committed local police are to targeting drug distribution in this region. Police from Manning/Great Lakes LAC, Hunter Valley LAC, Newcastle and Waratah LAC’s have worked closely together to deliver what is an outstanding result in removing these people from their criminal enterprises,” he said.

NSW Police Media Unit

 

[Splatt]

Soft toy conceals hard drug - Tuesday, 13rd November 2007

Joint media release - Australian Customs and the Australian Federal Police

An attempt to import cocaine within a child's toy and quilts has been foiled by Customs officers at the Sydney International Mail Centre.

Approximately 700 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $175,000, was found when officers selected a parcel from Uruguay for examination. The parcel was destined for a residential address in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

An x-ray of the parcel indicated a possible concealment inside the package which contained a large soft toy turtle and a set of four quilts.

Upon closer inspection of the toy and quilts, Customs officers noted that that the stitching was inconsistent on several of the items.

When a small section of the toy turtle was unstitched, officers found a package concealed within the toy which contained a quantity of white powder. Tests indicated the possible presence of cocaine. The same was noted for two of the four quilts.

Customs National Manager Cargo Operations North, Catherine Asbridge said the concealment showed the lengths that some traffickers would go to in order to smuggle drugs into the country.

"Only recently, Customs officers made a similar detection when they found ecstasy concealed within a popular children's toy, Mr Potato Head," Ms Asbridge said.

"More importantly though, this result further illustrates the efforts of Customs to effectively intercept and prevent illegal drugs from reaching the Australian community."

The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police and investigations are continuing.

AFP National Manager Border Operations Roman Quaedvlieg said the seizure was an example of the variety of concealment methods used to import narcotics into Australia. However, it also demonstrated the ability of authorities to detect such imports.

"Customs and the AFP form an important partnership in the detection and investigation of narcotic importations through the Australian border," Assistant Commissioner Quaedvlieg
said.

The maximum penalty for this offence is $550,000 and/or 25 years imprisonment.

Customs Media Release


Larger pictures can be seen here and here.

 

[hoptis]

Dying Buddhist monk accused of growing pot
November 13, 2007 01:27pm

A BUDDHIST monk accused of growing cannabis at his inner-Sydney laundrette is terminally ill, a court has been told.

Jose Maria Sanz-Tonnelier, known by his fellow monks as the Venerable Yanatharo, is facing several charges of cultivation, possession and supply of drugs, after raids on his premises at Darlinghurst earlier this year.

The 62-year-old has also been charged with public mischief for allegedly reporting his US and Argentinian passports stolen, knowing he had surrendered them to the court.

Sanz-Tonnelier failed to appear today in Downing Centre Local Court, where his lawyer handed up a medical certificate showing he was receiving hospital treatment for terminal cancer.

Magistrate Margaret Quinn suspended the bail condition that he report twice weekly to police and adjourned the matter to December 4 in the same court.

News.com.au

 

[lil angel15]

Drug addict jailed , two years' non-parole.
By Rebecca Senescall

Justin Van Turnhout was once a trusted friend and well-regarded Camden businessman.

But his use of illicit drugs has now cost him a minimum of two years jail.

Last Friday, NSW District Court judge Richard Cogswell handed down a five-and-a-half year jail sentence to Van Turnhout, who sold more than $10,000 worth of illegal drugs and firearms to undercover police from his Camden shop Regal Stock Feeds last December.

Van Turnhout, now 28, was described by Judge Cogswell as "a young man from a good family with a good education and with a good job".

Two years ago he started using the drug ice.

"He became immediately addicted," Judge Cogswell said. "He was spending $2000 to $3000 a day. So overwhelmed was he by his need to feed his addiction that his judgment was completely lost."

Police ran a controlled operation targeting Van Turnhout and his girlfriend Silvana Miletic.

During the operation, Van Turnhout repeatedly sold quantities of methylamphetamines to undercover officers - as well as 48 ecstacy tablets, cannabis, a sawn-off rifle, pump-action shotgun and a bolt-action rifle.

Judge Cogswell took into account his guilty plea, remorse and good rehabilitation prospects.

"This was not an enterprise coolly calculated by a sober and detached person - this was an enterprise driven by a desperate man very seriously addicted," Judge Cogswell said.

"The addiction clearly clouded his judgment and resulted in him being completely reckless. He had no idea how serious his offending was."

Van Turnhout is able to apply for parole in September 2009.

Camden Advertiser

 

[lil angel15]

Man appears in court on drugs charges
Posted November 14, 2007 11:47:00

A 46-year-old Canberra man has been refused bail after being arrested on a number of drugs related charges.

Police raided the home of Bradley Andrew Weatherall at Richardson yesterday morning.

Constable Daniel Gardener told the ACT Magistrates Court police found a substantial amount of cannabis and several small seal lock bags containing methamphetamine or ice.

They also seized some illegal fireworks and almost $2,000 in cash.

Magistrate Grant Lalor refused Weatherall bail because he breached a good behaviour order that he was on for similar offences.

He is due back in court in three weeks.

ABC Online

 

[lil angel15]

Man charged over steroids
Print November 15, 2007 06:36am

STEROIDS and illegal drugs have been seized by police during a raid on a western Sydney home.

About 1pm (AEDT) yesterday police who stopped a car on Shropshire Street at Miller in Sydney's southwest allegedly found 10 satchels of white powder believed to be amphetamine.

The driver, a 27-year-old, was arrested before a search was carried out on a property in nearby Green Valley Road.

The search allegedly found 141 vials and 27 tablet packets of steroids, 15 packets of Viagra, one kilogram of horse steroids, eight grams of prohibited drug believed to be speed amphetamine, and cash.

The man was charged with supplying a prohibited drug and possessing a prescribed restricted substance.

He was refused bail and is expected to face court today.

Herald Sun

 

[hoptis]

Willams father jailed over drug deals
Katie Bice
November 15, 2007 10:40am

THE father of gangland killer Carl Williams has been jailed for 20 months for trafficking 4kg of drugs, a judge saying his ill health could not excuse him from just punishment.

George Leslie Williams, 61, had pleaded guilty to trafficking a commercial quantity of amphetamines between December 2002 and July 2004.

The Supreme Court heard as part of a deal done over his son's murder pleas, prosecutors did not ask for George Williams to serve an immediate jail term.

But Justice Betty King said it was ultimately for the court to decide Williams' sentence although it was "extremely important for the court to take heed" of the deal.

Williams' lawyer told the court of his client's lengthy list of health issues including heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and depression and argued sending Williams to prison would be a death sentence.

But Justice King said Williams had committed the offences while dealing with the same medical issues.

"The law cannot be that if you are physically unwell and commit criminal offences over a lengthy period of time that your physical health will excuse you," she said.

"You are at serious risk of death from your chronic heart disease but that risk is the same whether you are in the community or in prison."

The court heard Williams and his son worked as a team to traffic 4.79kg of amphetamines on at least 14 occasions to a third party, known as Mr Z.

Justice King said the pair would have profited by about $500,000 during the deals done at shopping centres and Williams' Broadmeadows home.

The court heard Williams never strayed far from Carl's side after the death of his other son from a heroin overdose.

Justice King said it was inconceivable that having suffered the grief of losing a child to the drug scourge Williams became involved in the "evil trade" to be closer to Carl.

"(You knew) the consequences that drugs have upon this community and more particularly the younger members of that community yet you were actively involved in selling drugs," she said.

Justice King sentenced Williams to 4 1 /2 years' jail with a minimum of 20 months.

Outside court his partner Kathleen Bourke said she was worried he would die in jail.

"I don't think he would have survived 20 months out here but in there I don't think he will," she said.

News.com.au

 

[Splatt]

Kenilworth drug operation arrests
Last updated 15/11/2007

Three men and one woman, all from Kenilworth, were charged with a variety of drug and weapons offences following police raids yesterday.

Around 9.50am police from the Kenilworth police and Sunshine Coast Tactical Crime Squad executed search warrants at two Kenilworth properties at Walli Mountain Road and Kenilworth Maleny Road.

The raids were the culmination of Operation Topaz. It is alleged that a quantity of cannabis, hash and amphetamines were located as well as several weapons including a rifle, shotgun and crossbow.

A 49-year-old man has been charged with one count each of possess a dangerous drug and insecure storage of weapons.

A 51-year-old man has been charged with three counts of possession of a dangerous drug as well as one count each of produce a dangerous drug, insecure storage of weapons, unlawful possession of category M, A and B weapons and other drug matters.

Both men are due to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on December 14.

A 49-year-old woman was charged with possession of a dangerous drug and a 45-year-old man with possession of a dangerous drug and possession of a thing. Both were dealt with by way of drug diversion.

QLD Police Media

 

[Splatt]

Two charged over $7 million smuggled tobacco
Thursday, 15th November 2007

Customs officers in Sydney have arrested and charged two men over an alleged attempt to possess more than 22 tonnes of manufactured tobacco which was smuggled into Australia.

On Monday (12 November), Customs officers selected for examination a sea cargo container that had arrived at Port Botany from Jakarta, Indonesia. The contents had been declared as plastic kitchenware.

When Customs officers searched the container, they discovered 1806 cardboard boxes wrapped in silver coloured plastic, containing 22,575 kilograms of manufactured tobacco. Duty payable on this quantity of manufactured tobacco would have amounted to $6,869,000.

As a result of the detection, Customs Investigators, with the assistance of the NSW Police Force Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad, yesterday followed the container when it was delivered to commercial premises in Ambarvale in Sydney's south western suburbs. At the premises, Customs investigators, aided by police, arrested two men as they were allegedly loading the smuggled goods into a vehicle.

One man, aged 28 from Fairfield, and one man, aged 22 from Ryde, have been charged with possession of smuggled goods. They have been granted conditional bail to appear in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on 18 December.

Customs National Manager Investigations Richard Janeczko said, "These arrests demonstrate that Customs is achieving successes in uncovering more and more attempts to smuggle tobacco products into Australia. Criminals who attempt such activity will be apprehended and dealt with by the courts".

Under the Customs Act 1901, penalties of up to five times the amount of duty can be imposed on those who are convicted of smuggling, conveying or possessing smuggled goods or evading the payment of duty. Those convicted under the Criminal Code Act for illegally importing cigarettes and tobacco can receive jail sentences.

Since the start of 2007, Customs has intercepted 69 million smuggled cigarettes and 159 tonnes of smuggled tobacco, with an overall revenue liability of $64 million.

Customs Media Release

 

[lil angel15]

'Cocaine' found in bath products
November 16, 2007 - 5:30PM

A 52-year-old man has been arrested in western Sydney after allegedly attempting to import almost four kilos of cocaine concealed in bath products, police and customs officials say.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) said white powder was discovered in a consignment of 40 tins labelled as "bath products", which was imported from Canada.

Testing of the powder indicated it was cocaine, and the four kilograms of the drug had a street value as high as $1 million, they said.

AFP agents substituted the drugs with an inert substance and arrested the man at Wentworthville after he had claimed the consignment.

He was charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug and, after appearing in Sydney Central Local Court on Friday, was remanded in custody to reappear on January 31.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or a $825,000 fine.

The Age

 

[lil angel15]

Clandestine laboratory - Thornbury
Release date: Mon 19 November 2007

Police have uncovered a clandestine laboratory following a report of a burglary in Ivanhoe this morning.

Northcote CIU detectives attended a rental property in Waterdale Rd about 4:30am after a passerby reported an alarm being activated.

On their arrival police heard loud screaming, banging and crashing and feared the occupant was being attacked by a burglar.

They forced entry and found what appeared to be a drug effected man responsible for the noise.

A search of the property resulted in the discovery of a small clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in a bedroom.

Police also found a quantity of a white crystallised material.

Members of the Clandestine Laboratory Squad are currently processing the scene.

Police arrested a 33-year-old Ivanhoe man who is currently assisting them with their inquiries.

Victoria Police Media Unit

 

[lil angel15]

Man allegedly smuggled drugs in clothes
November 19, 2007 - 8:34PM

A man has appeared in a Sydney court after Customs allegedly found clothes impregnated with cocaine in his luggage.

The man arrived at Sydney airport on Sunday on a flight from South America.

Officers searched his bags and became suspicious drugs had been impregnated in several items of clothing, including jeans, which were stiff to the touch, Customs said in a statement.

Preliminary testing of the clothes allegedly showed cocaine.

The 51-year-old Australian was arrested by federal police and charged with attempting to import a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug.

He appeared in Central Local Court and was refused bail to reappear on January 16.

The AGE

 

[lil angel15]

Man charged over one of Victoria's largest drug hauls
November 20, 2007 07:15am

A MELBOURNE man has been remanded in custody to appear in court tomorrow after what police have described as one of Victoria's largest ever drug busts.

The man, 33, of Ivanhoe in Melbourne's northeast, was arrested following raids yesterday that uncovered two clandestine drug labs capable of producing millions of dollars worth of illicit drugs, police said.

He was questioned by detectives and later fronted an out of sessions hearing charged with offences including trafficking a large quantity of drugs, possessing precursor chemicals, possessing an imitation firearm, and using and possessing a drug of dependence.

Police say they found enough chemicals to produce more than 25kg of pure crystal methamphetamine (ice) with a street value of more than $7 million at the labs in Ivanhoe and nearby Northcote.

"Police think it is one of the largest drug hauls in Victoria," police spokeswoman Katherine Jess said.

Northcote detectives found a small bedroom lab in the Ivanhoe home, at about 4.30am yesterday morning.

They later raided a second house in Arthurton Road, Northcote, where they allege they discovered a substantial amount of precursor chemicals, used in the manufacture of methamphetamines.

The charged man will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court tomorrow for a bail hearing.

Herald Sun

 

[lil angel15]

Pair accused over drug find at RAAF base
November 22, 2007 - 3:43PM

Two people have been charged with trafficking drugs after being caught with nearly 200 ecstasy tablets in the car park of an air force base at Townsville.

Queensland and military police arrested a 25-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman on Wednesday at the RAAF base on Ingham Road following a multi-agency investigation.

It is alleged they had a number of clip-sealed plastic bags containing a total of 180 ecstasy tablets in their possession.

The pair, who are not members of the defence force, are due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on December 7.

The man has been charged with one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs, possession of proceeds of crime, possession of property used in the commission of an offence, and two counts of supplying dangerous drugs.

The woman has been charged with three counts of supplying dangerous drugs.

Officers from the Northern Region Drug Squad, military police from the Army's Lavarack Barracks and from RAAF Townsville, and the Corrective Services drug detection dog squad were involved in the investigation.

A defence spokesman declined to comment.

SMH

 

[lil angel15]

Drugs seized: man charged

DETECTIVES from the Bathurst-based Chifley Target Action Group (TAG) have seized drugs with an estimated street value of $828,000.
Detective Senior Con-stable Guy Magee from Bathurst police yesterday said one man has been charged with drugs, fire-arms and property off-ences.

Det Magee said Chifley TAG executed a search warrant on a property at Glen Aice, near Kandos, on November 9.

“We located an elaborate cannabis cultivation operation, including 93 plants as well as a large quantity of equipment used in the cultivation of the drug and a stolen motor vehicle,” he said.

“Subsequent investigations led to the TAG executing another search warrant at a home in Malabar in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“A hydroponic setup was found growing 41 cannabis plants. Police also located 28 kilograms of cannabis leaf and a loaded firearm in a cupboard, 10 grams of amphetamines [speed] and a small amount of hashish and cash.”

Det Magee said the operation resulted in police arresting a 36-year-old Malabar man on Novem-ber 21.

He has been charged with drugs, firearms and property offences and bailed to appear in Waverley Local Court on December 14.

Western Advocate

 

[Splatt]

Steroids smuggling in post costs Mackay man $8,000
Wednesday, 21st November 2007

A 21-year-old Mackay man was yesterday convicted and fined $7,000 plus costs for smuggling steroids from Romania.

Mr Matthew Kent Ryan pleaded guilty to two counts of importing a prohibited substance and one count of possession of prohibited imports under the Customs Act 1901 when he appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court yesterday (20 November).

Customs investigations began in March when Customs officers at the Sydney International Mail facility intercepted a parcel declared as "aromatherapy oils". Inside the package officers found 12 sachets containing steroids.

A further package containing 9 sachets of steroids was intercepted in May.

Both packages were destined for addresses in Mackay.

As a result of the detections, Customs investigators executed search and seizure warrants on a property in Ooralea, Mackay and found additional prohibited steroids.

Customs National Manager Investigations, Richard Janeczko said the importation of performance and image enhancing drugs into Australia without appropriate permits was an offence.

"These substances are banned in Australia. They can present significant health risks to users and the community," Mr Janeczko said.

Mr Ryan was convicted on all counts and fined $7,000 plus court costs of $1,225.

CUSTOMS