The Australian/NZ Drug Busts Mega-Thread Part Triforce

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Report shows higher Kimberley cannabis use

More than one-third of Western Australia's illicit drug users live in the Kimberley, according to a report tabled in Parliament.

The Education and Health Standing Committee gathered statistics and held public hearings to form a picture of drug use across WA.

It found that Kimberley residents use more cannabis and amphetamines than people in any other region.

However, committee chairwoman Janet Wollard says the most distressing aspects of the Kimberley's drug problems cannot be fixed without up-to-date data.

"There is a possibly the problem could be worse than what was in the report," she said.

"The reason why we would like to see them keep that annual data and table that annual data in Parliament is to ensure funding that goes into trying to cut back on illicit drugs is based on current evidence."

The State Government will now will consider 24 recommendations from the committee.

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NZ officials in contact with 'drug mules'

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mfat) says it has been in contact with a heavily pregnant New Zealand woman and her partner being held in a Japanese jail accused of smuggling methamphetamine into the country.

The woman, 25, and the man, 26, were arrested last month after allegedly being caught with two kilograms of methamphetamine with a street value of $2m in New Zealand.

The drugs were allegedly found in their luggage on their arrival from Thailand at Tokyo's Narita International Airport.

An Mfat spokeswoman told NZPA today the couple had been contacted by the NZ embassy in Japan and offered consulate advice.

"We are also in touch with the families back in New Zealand."

The pregnant Auckland woman and her partner are among the rising number of New Zealanders caught smuggling drugs into other countries for "a bit of extra cash".

They include one man who died in a Thai hospital.

The pair were heading home via Tokyo - rather than returning directly to New Zealand - when they were stopped at Narita International Airport on May 17.

It is understood the 25-year-old woman is in the late stages of herpregnancy.

Another New Zealand passport holder died in Thailand after swallowing parcels of methamphetamine to smuggle out of the country in January.

He boarded a plane at Bangkok International Airport, but left it again after feeling ill.

The 40-year-old man, of Iranian descent, is believed to have died in hospital from an overdose after the packages burst inside him.

The latest drug mule case in Japan happened weeks after Wellington woman Sharon Armstrong was arrested in Buenos Aires with 5kg of cocaine hidden in her luggage.

Senior police officers are worried at the increasing numbers of New Zealanders caught as drug trafficking "mules" through the border and warning people to report any approaches for them to carry drugs.

Assistant Commissioner Malcolm Burgess said the trend was concerning, as some people thought they could make easy money by helping organised crime groups bring drugs into New Zealand or other countries.

"The risks these people take are huge," he said. "We and our partner agencies such as Customs and Immigration are cracking down on organised crime. We are finding more and more people are getting caught up in it all for a bit of extra cash or some other benefit," said Mr Burgess.

There were a few instances where the traveller might be an unwitting "mule".

But Mr Burgess said most knowingly agreed to carry drugs.

"The temptation for some people to take the risk is often outweighed by the cash being offered or some other inducement.

"But the consequences, should they get caught, are life-ruining and inevitably end up with a long jail sentence or potentially harsher penalties if arrested in some overseas countries."

Some countries, such as Indonesia, have the death penalty for drug smugglers.

Mr Burgess advised anyone approached with a tempting offer to work as a drug mule to contact police, Customs or Crimestoppers.

"This will help us to track down criminals who want to profit from the suffering of those who get caught up in drugs and become a cost to their families, friends and the community."

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo had been in contact with the arrested Auckland couple to provide consulate advice.

The spokeswoman said New Zealand was unable to intervene in the judicial processes of another country.

Sharon Armstrong, 54, was arrested in April when 5kg of cocaine was found hidden in her luggage at Buenos Aires Airport.

The former Maori Language Commission deputy chief executive is imprisoned in Unidad 31, a medium-security prison 30km southwest of the Argentinian capital.

She admitted she knew about a parcel hidden in her suitcase - but says she had no idea it contained drugs.

The Wellington woman believed she was taking a top-secret business contract to London where she was to give it to a man she had been dating online for six months.

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Two charged over 2.5kg ecstasy haul

A teenage boy and a young woman have been charged after police allegedly seized 2.5 kilograms of ecstasy in Sydney's west early this morning.

Police say they stopped the boy, 15, and woman, 22, in a high performance car at Granville shortly before 1:00am (AEST).

A search of the car allegedly uncovered a pill press, more than 2 kilograms of powdered ecstasy and nearly half a kilogram of the drug in tablet form.

Police say a number of people related to the pair came out of a nearby house and yelled abuse at police.

A 38-year-old man was subsequently arrested and give a court notice for obstructing and resisting police.

The 15-year-old and 22-year-old were each charged with manufacturing and supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.

Both were refused bail and will appear in separate courts today.

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Two people arrested and pill press seized during operation – MEOCS TAG

Police attached to the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad’s Target Action Group (MEOCS TAG), have arrested two people and seized a pill-press and drugs during an operation at Granville.

About 12.50am yesterday, police attached to the MEOCS Target Action Group, stopped a Subaru WRX outside a home at Granville.

During a search of the vehicle, police located and seized a pill-press, more than two kilograms of powder and 431 grams of tablets, both believed to be MDMA (ecstasy).

The occupants of the vehicle, a 15-year-old male and a 22-year-old woman were arrested at the scene. During the operation, a number of family members exited the nearby house and began yelling abuse at police.

A 38-year-old man was subsequently arrested with the assistance of police from Rosehill Local Area Command. He was issued a Bail Court Attendance Notice for wilfully obstruct officer in execution of duty and resist officer in execution of duty.

The 15-year-old male and 22-year-old woman were each charged with manufacture and supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug and were both refused bail.

The 15-year-old will face Parramatta Children’s Court today while the 22-year-old will face Parramatta Local Court today.

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Man charged for importing heroin in Bibles

A 31-year-old Indian national is scheduled to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court today charged with importing heroin into Australia.

On 20 February 2011, an international mail parcel containing 29 Bibles addressed to Renmark, South Australia, was examined by Customs and Border Protection officers at the Sydney International Mail Gateway Facility.

Eight of the Bibles were found to be hollowed out and concealing packages wrapped in carbon paper and plastic.

Further investigations revealed the packages contained approximately 900 grams of a light brown granular powder which tested positive for heroin.

The heroin has an estimated street value of $1.3 million. Further forensic testing will be undertaken to determine the exact weight and purity of the substance.

An Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation then commenced in Adelaide, with officers arresting the man at Adelaide International Airport yesterday (May 30).

The AFP has charged the man with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to section 307.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

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Police Commissioner's son faces severe drugs penalty

The son of the WA Police Commissioner is now facing a maximum penalty of up to 25 years jail for a drug offence because his case has been sent to a higher court.

Russell O'Callaghan, 29, was due to be sentenced in the Magistrates Court this morning for trying to manufacture methylamphetamine.

He was charged after suffering burns when a clandestine laboratory exploded at a house in Carlisle in March.

He faced up to four years jail but at the start of the hearing, Magistrate Paul Heaney said he was not prepared to go ahead with the sentence.

Magistrate Heaney said he believed the case should be sent to the District Court where the maximum penalty is 25 years or a $100,000 fine or both.

O'Callagahan had his bail renewed and is due back in court next month.

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Man charged after drugs, firearm, snake seized - Jannali

A man will appear in court later this month after police allegedly found drugs, firearms and fireworks at a home in Sydney’s south yesterday.

Following investigations into the supply of drugs in the area, officers attached to Sutherland Local Area Command executed a search warrant on a home in Box Road, Jannali, about 3.30pm.

It is alleged that during the search police located and seized an amount of cannabis, as well as a rifle, ammunition and fireworks.

A snake was also seized during the search.

A 30-year-old man was arrested and taken to Sutherland Police Station where he was subsequently charged with the following offences:

· Possess firearm;
· Possess explosives (fireworks);
· Possess ammunition;
· Possess prohibited drug;
· Possess prescribed restricted substance;
· Goods in custody
· Deal with proceeds of crime – money

He was conditionally bailed to appear at Sutherland Local Court on 30 June 2011.

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Border operation targets traffic and drug offences - State's north west

Police have stopped over 1000 drivers as part of a state border traffic operation, including one man who allegedly had almost seven kilograms of cannabis in his car.

Operation ‘Northmore V’ ran from 6am on Sunday 29 May 2011 to 11pm on Tuesday 31 May 2011.

The three-day operation comprised officers from the Dog Unit, as well as detectives and highway patrol officers from the Barwon, Oxley, Mudgee and New England Commands.

The operation targeted heavy vehicles and the conveyance of illegal drugs between NSW and Queensland.

During the operation police issued 160 Traffic Infringement Notices, conducted 1180 random breath tests and there were 14 instances of illegal drug possession.

Detective Inspector Tim Beattie from Barwon Local Area Command said the operation serves as a reminder that police will continue to investigate and drive down these types of crimes.

“The results of this operation have been outstanding, and we will continue to come down hard on criminals who believe they can take back roads in an attempt to avoid detection,” he said.

Results of Operation Northmore V

· 1180 vehicles were intercepted and breath tested, including 764 heavy vehicles.
· 14 drug detections obtained including:
o About 9.10am on 31 May 2011 police pulled over a silver Ford Falcon travelling north on Merriwa Street Boggabilla. A search of the vehicle uncovered 6.9 kilograms of cannabis, divided into 14 vacuum sealed bags. A sum of cash was also located in a back pack. A 35-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug and refused bail to appear before Moree Local Court. He was remanded in custody to reappear on 6 June.

New England Highway Patrol located a vehicle at Gwyda Highway at Warialda. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered 1.27 kilograms of cannabis. The male driver is expected to be charged in the near future.
· Two other criminal charges were laid along with four traffic charges.
· 160 traffic infringements notices were issued.
· 80 vehicles were searched.

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35 charged in major drugs sting

More than 100 drugs charges have been laid against 35 people as part of a major police operation across Queensland.

An 18-month operation codenamed Operation Ice Winnebago ended yesterday as officers raided properties in Toowoomba, Ipswich, Cairns and the Sunshine Coast.

Thirty-five people were arrested, including seven in Toowoomba.

Police say varying quantities of drugs, including methamphetamines, were seized during the raids.

Those arrested have been charged with 112 offences, including trafficking and possession.

They are expected to appear in court later this month and police say they plan to make more arrests.

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Addicts got their drugs from gran, court told

An Adelaide woman who tried to wean family members off drugs by holding onto and distributing their supply has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Mavis Johnstone, 60, pleaded guilty to supplying or administering a drug to another person.

Last July, police found methylamphetamine at her home at Parafield Gardens.

The Adelaide District Court was told Johnstone unsuccessfully tried to help her granddaughter and nephew seek treatment for their drug addictions and thought holding onto their drugs would ensure they used them responsibly, to be eventually weaned off them.

Judge Peter Herriman said the grandmother's offending was an irrational and misguided attempt to help her family.

"It was a desperate attempt to ensure drugs didn't cause any further detriment to your family," he said.

He warned Johnstone her offending carried a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison or a $50,000 fine.

"It was conduct of the most serious kind which merits a term of imprisonment," he said.

Judge Herriman noted Johnstone had never used the drugs herself and had no criminal record.

He sentenced her to 18 months in jail with a six month non-parole period.

That was suspended provided she accepted a $1,000, three-year good behaviour bond.

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Drug ring accused gets bail

The Supreme Court has granted bail to a man from Mackay in north Queensland who is allegedly involved in importing 50 kilograms of cocaine.

Markis Scott Turner, 38, is one of four men charged after Australian Federal Police (AFP) smashed an international drug ring in Mackay.

The men are facing a total of 36 charges relating to the importation, possession and distribution of cocaine.

Earlier this week, Turner applied for bail in the Mackay Magistrates Court but was denied.

Magistrate Ron Muirhead told the court that Turner posed too great a flight risk.

However, in the Supreme Court yesterday, Justice Duncan McMeekin granted conditional bail, saying the charges against Turner were only allegations at this stage.

He will be released on $150,000 bail and $450,000 surety.

Turner has also had to surrender all passports and he must report daily to police.

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Miners undergo explosives, drugs blitz

Almost 4,000 workers from gold mines across Western Australia and the Northern Territory have been screened for drugs and explosives during an operation at the Perth domestic airport.

Narcotics dogs targeted people en route to mine sites, while explosives dogs screened those returning home through the airport.

More than 40 pieces of luggage showed signs of drugs and a small amount of cannabis was found but police did not find explosives.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dom Blackshaw from the gold detection unit says it is one of the best results he has seen.

"Probably is one of the lower results we've had as far as number of seizures," he said.

"Last time we ran this we had quite a few more and a number more prosecutions.

"So in terms of what industry obviously [has] been doing with its workforce, it's certainly a good sign and we just hope this continues into the future."

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Lawyers brand SMART Court changes as dumb

A decision to change who is eligible to appear before the so-called SMART Court in the Northern Territory has incensed lawyers who will have to work in it.

The SMART (Substance Misuse Assessment and Referral for Treatment) Court was set up to deal with criminal offences related to alcohol or drug abuse.

It is intended to replace the alcohol and drug credit court process and offers rehabilitation services rather than jail.

But at a meeting of Darwin's legal fraternity yesterday the Chief Magistrate told lawyers the Territory Government would change the regulations to prevent people charged with aggravated assault or a sex offence from using the SMART Court.

Johnathan Hunyor from the North Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency says the Government ran away from its responsibility and the move will reduce the effectiveness of the court.

"It undermines the other efforts that the Government is making, and that we support, to get on top of a social problem that everyone takes seriously," he said.

"The SMART Court is going to be for people who are on the borderline of going to jail."

He says the Government made the decision without seeking their advice or providing an explanation.

"We are very disappointed that we weren't consulted and haven't had a chance to explain why we think this is a really bad decision," he said.

Attorney-General Delia Lawrie says the Government will not apologise for the changes.

"Sexual and violent offenders ought to go to jail, not off into a therapeutic drug and alcohol rehabilitative program," she said.

Ms Lawrie says the majority of people who qualified for alcohol and credit court will still be eligible for SMART Court.

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Tasmania set to ban synthetic cannabis

Tasmania looks set to become the first state to outlaw a synthetic cannabis known as Kronic.

Australian law enforcement and health professionals are concerned about the drug and several states are considering placing restrictions on its sale.

It is being marketed as a legal alternative to cannabis, inducing the same feelings of relaxation and euphoria described by regular users.

But authorities say it is potentially 100 times stronger than marijuana and can produce extreme reactions.

It has prompted Tasmanian police to lobby the State Government to make it illegal.

Police believe the Government will add Kronic to the state's list of banned drugs on Monday.

AMA Tasmania president Dr John Davis says Kronic has serious side effects.

"Heart palpitations, hallucinations, delirium and severe depression, and who knows what else because the drug's only been around four years and we've got no idea what the long-term effects are," he said.

Kronic is already banned in 16 countries.

BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have also banned it at their mines because of widespread use by some workers.

A number of other states including Western Australia are also considering making it illegal.

But dealers of Kronic say outlawing it will not stop them from selling it.

Kronic is being sold through at least one Launceston retail outlet and on the street.

"Incredible - I'm selling stock before it comes in," Troy Growden, a Kronic supplier, said.

"We've had a problem with the supplier. He's actually been that run off his feet that he's run out of stock so he's waiting on supply, I'm waiting on supply and it's all already sold."

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Illegal drug lab explodes in Gosnells

A man is in hospital with burns to almost half of his body after a clandestine drug lab exploded in Perth's south eastern suburbs.

Police say the explosion happened in the bathroom of the Kellerman Way home in Gosnells about half past one this afternoon.

The force of the blast ripped off part of the roof.

The injured man is in Royal Perth Hospital being treated for burns.

Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Swannell says surrounding homes have been evacuated.

"There's some containers of ammonia gas inside, ammonia gas can be very harmful if it is inhaled, therefore for safety precautions we've evacuated some of the surrounding houses."

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Suspected clan lab in Gosnells

A man's been injured in a suspected clan lab fire in Perth's south eastern suburbs.

Police have put in place a 100-metre exclusion zone around a home in Kellerman Way in Gosnells.

It is understood the man is being treated in hospital for burns.

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Men charged after police find alleged cannabis plantation, firearms– Douglas Park

Two men have been charged after police located an alleged cannabis plantation at a home in Douglas Park yesterday.

Detectives attached to Camden Local Area Command have been investigating the supply of cannabis in the area in recent months.

Following inquiries, officers yesterday executed a search warrant on a home in Menangle Road, about 8.30am.

It is alleged during the search police located and seized 37 cannabis plants, 1.1kg of cannabis and hydroponic equipment.

Three firearms were also found.

Two men, aged 30 and 29, were arrested at the home.

The 30-year-old man has been charged with cultivation, possession of cannabis, firearm offences, receiving and goods in custody.

He was refused bail to appear in Campbelltown Local Court today.

The 29-year- old was charged with two counts of supply, steal by finding, possess cannabis, and larceny.

He was conditionally bailed to appear at Campbelltown Local Court later this month.

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Two charged after drug operation – Marrickville and St Marys

Police have arrested two people for supplying drugs in related incidents in Marrickville and St Marys yesterday.

About 12pm (2 June), officers attached to Marrickville Local Area Command stopped a vehicle on Livingstone Road, Marrickville, following alleged drug activity.

Police spoke to the 45-year-old female driver and conducted a search of the vehicle, locating 64.5 grams of cannabis and $1000 in cash. This property was seized.

The woman was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station, where she was charged with supply and possess drugs and deal in proceeds of crime.

During this time, police also spoke with two men at a licensed premises on Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill, and located 6.6 grams of cannabis.

A 38-year-old man was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with drug related offences. A 29-year-old man was issued a cannabis caution.

A subsequent search of the man’s unit allegedly revealed a large quantity of green vegetable matter, believed to be cannabis, hydroponic equipment and drug paraphernalia.

The green vegetable matter, weighed a total of 117.6 grams

After further investigation, detectives from St Marys Local Area Command executed a search warrant at a house on Marsden Road, St Marys.

It is alleged that during the search, police located a number of cannabis plants, a large quantity of green vegetable matter, hydroponic equipment and drug paraphernalia.

Police seized 79 plants, 364 grams of green vegetable matter, 6.2 grams of leaf and 1.1 grams of seeds, all believed to be cannabis. The total street value is estimated to be around $260,000.

The 38-year-old and the 45-year-old woman were granted conditional bail and are due to appear at Newtown Local Court on 21 June 2011.

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Law enforcement disrupts Brisbane cocaine network

The Australian Federal Police (AFP), Queensland Police Service and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service have followed up last week’s seizure of more than 50 kilograms of cocaine in Mackay, Queensland, by arresting three Colombian nationals for their alleged roles in a Brisbane drug distribution network.

Two men, aged 25 and 32, will face Brisbane Magistrates Court today, charged with attempting to possess and conspiracy to traffic a commercial quantity of cocaine.

A 37-year-old man has been remanded to appear in court on 24 June 2011. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The charges follow a total of 14 arrests in Australia, Colombia and Panama last week relating to the importation to Australia of more than 50 kilograms of cocaine chemically suspended in hydraulic oil.

The AFP will also allege that the criminal syndicate had been attempting to import cocaine via international mail and had intended to purchase and distribute approximately 3 kilograms of cocaine which was seized by NSW Police on 12 May 2010.

Australian law enforcement agencies yesterday executed arrest warrants at Teneriffe, Kangaroo Point and Bowen Hills.

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Drug trafficking operation closes, Toowoomba

An 18 month investigation into drug trafficking and supply has resulted in 35 people charged with a 112 offences, including 14 counts of trafficking dangerous drugs.

Operation Ice Winnebago closed yesterday with police executing search warrants in the Toowoomba, Ipswich and Sunshine Coast areas.

Inspector Darryl Johnson, Regional Crime Coordinator, Southern Police Region said that the primary focus was drug supply in the Southern Region and the Toowoomba area.

“Following the closure of this operation we are confident of a significant disruption to drug supply in the Toowoomba area, as well as other areas of the state.

“Officers from the Southern and North Coast regions were involved, with a focus on the supply and distribution of dangerous drugs,” he said.

Police allegedly located amphetamines and cannabis during the operation.

The charges preferred to-date include 40 counts of supplying dangerous drugs and 14 of drug possession.

A 44-year-old Toowoomba man was charged with three counts of trafficking, as well as three possessions and 12 charges of possession of tainted property. A 62-year-old Toowoomba man was charged with 3 charges of trafficking, two of supplying a dangerous drug, possession of dangerous drug and possession of a drug utensil. Both men were due to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court today.

A 23-year-old Toowoomba man was charged with trafficking, receiving, possession of proceeds of crime and three charges of possession of a dangerous drug.

Two of the people charged were from the Sunshine Coast; a 41-year-old man who was charged with trafficking and three counts of supplying a dangerous drug to minor and a 17-year-old man who was charged with four counts of supplying a dangerous drug.

An Ipswich man and woman were also issued with Notices to Appear for possession of dangerous drugs and due to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on June 22 and 28 respectively.

Those arrested have appeared in local courts or are due to appear in the coming weeks.

Police investigations are continuing.

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