The Australian/NZ Drug Busts Mega-Thread Part Triforce

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Victim of 'peer pressure': Hemmes's driver admits cocaine in Rolls

Victim of 'peer pressure': Hemmes's driver admits cocaine in Rolls

A driver for high-profile Sydney hotelier Justin Hemmes has pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, found after police stopped him behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
John Robert Hart, 46, who also works as a driver for federal ministers, today appeared in the Downing Centre Local Court after he was caught with the drug on James Street at Redfern in September.
He was caught a week after five security guards from Mr Hemmes's Ivy nightclub were charged with assaulting a 19-year-old patron.

In documents before the court today, police said they were conducting a routine patrol when they spotted the Rolls-Royce with the number plates IVY.
"Police asked the accused if he had anything he shouldn't have," the court documents state.
"The accused answered: 'Yeah, probably.'"

Mr Hart's solicitor told the court that his client had the cocaine to try to help him relax after working two jobs.
He said Mr Hart had no prior convictions and being caught by police and the subsequent media attention had been a "wake-up call".
Magistrate Jane Mottley put Mr Hart on a two-year good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded.

In making her judgment, she said had taken into account that Mr Hart had entered a plea of guilty at the first opportunity.
However, Ms Mottley did not accept comments made by Mr Hart in a psychological report that he had fallen victim to "peer pressure".
"Teenagers suffer from peer pressure," she told the court. "Middle-aged men don't."
Mr Hart, who lives in Darlinghurst, refused to comment as he left court.​

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Man charged after police seize drugs and cash - Sydney CBD

Man charged after police seize drugs and cash - Sydney CBD

Police have charged a man after he was allegedly found in possession of methylamphetamine’s, cash and drug paraphernalia in the Sydney CBD yesterday.

About 1:10pm (Tuesday 11 October 2011), City Central Detectives were at a hotel apartment complex on Kent Street when they stopped a blue Subaru Impreza as it left the car park of the building.

The driver of the Subaru was spoken to and subsequently submitted to a search where police allegedly located an amount of methylamphetamine, an ecstasy tablet and a large amount of cash.

Police also allegedly located mobile phones, scales and other drug paraphernalia on the man.

The 25-year-old Strathfield man was arrested and taken to City Central Police Station where he was charged with the commercial supply of prohibited drugs, possess prohibited drug and deal with the proceeds of crime.

He was refused bail to appear in Central Local Court today (Wednesday 12 October 2011).

Investigations into the matter are continuing.​

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[NZ] Family of accused P-makers on run

[NZ] Family of accused P-makers on run

A family crime syndicate accused of making and dealing the highly addictive drug P are wanted by Northland police.

Police have released the names and photographs of four people they want public help to find, but warn they are considered dangerous and should not be approached if spotted.

Whangarei Detective Andrew Glendinning said a mother and her daughter, plus the mother's partner and his brother allegedly regularly used motel and bach accommodation and public storage units or yards for serious drug offending.

Mr Glendinning alleged they were known to carry and use firearms and should not be approached.

They are Jayne Crompton (also known as Jayne Ethelstone), 45, Samantha Crompton, 23, Marc Ethelstone, 33 and Dean Fredrick Theobald, 39.

Police say the four have family connections in Northland and associates in South Auckland.

Last month, police arrested a crime syndicate using top end holiday accommodation in Northland and Auckland to make the drug P.

Three methamphetamine, or P, labs were discovered in the raids on 10 properties in Whangarei, Wellsford and Auckland.


One lab was discovered in a Whangarei storage unit, while in Howick, Auckland, another lab was operating out of a shipping container.

A third was in Pakiri, 25km east of Warkworth.

The searches uncovered 10g of methamphetamine as well as firearms, chemical components, utensils and some cannabis at the various lab sites.

During one of four search warrants carried out in Whangarei, police found cannabis oil, cannabis utensils, indoor cultivation equipment and two shotguns.

At a Wellsford property, police officers found stolen laptops, ammunition and utensils for cooking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

Police confirmed the crime syndicate, with gang links, rented top end holiday accommodation, motels and bachs to make P.

Northland police communications officer Sarah Kennett said the group normally targeted accommodation along coastal areas of Auckland and Northland, and on beaches such as Pakiri.

A property at Waipu had also been used.

A 37-year-old South Auckland man has appeared in Manukau District Court on charges of possessing methamphetamine for supply, possessing precursor equipment and chemicals to manufacture methamphetamine, and breaching home-detention conditions.​

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Man arrested over drugs found in vehicle

Man arrested over drugs found in vehicle

Police have charged a 45-year-old man after he was allegedly caught with drugs in Karratha.

Detectives say the man's vehicle was stopped on Karratha Road yesterday.

A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered 3.3 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and more than $12,000 in cash.

The man has been charged with possession of a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

He is due in the Roebourne Magistrates Court today.​

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[NZ] Drugs and firearms seized in Palmerston North raids

[NZ] Drugs and firearms seized in Palmerston North raids

Police have seized methamphetamine, cannabis and firearms during raids in Palmerston North today.

Police raided 11 properties around the city and have arrested five women and four men.

Over 100 cannabis plants were found at one location and methamphetamine and a pistol at another.

Detective Sergeant Dave Thompson says police are constantly looking to identify people who are intent on growing or distributing drugs and they will continue to carry out these operations.

Around 30 police took part in the operation which they say was not targeted at gangs.​

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Firearms, drugs and cash seized - Strike Force Raptor

Firearms, drugs and cash seized - Strike Force Raptor

Officers from the Gangs Squad’s Strike Force Raptor have seized firearms, cash, drug paraphernalia and fireworks from a western Sydney home.

Officers conducted a search warrant on the house in Mt Druitt, alleged to be linked to a senior member of the Rebels, on Monday afternoon (10 October 2011).

It was part of Strike Force Raptor’s ongoing investigations into alleged criminal activity by outlaw motorcycle gangs.

During the warrant, officers allegedly seized three rifles, a shotgun, fireworks and more than $17,000 in cash.

Quantities of cannabis, amphetamines, steroids and drug paraphernalia were also located and seized.

Last night, a 51-year-old man alleged to be a high-ranking member of the Rebels attended Mount Druitt Police Station where he was spoken to by Strike Force Raptor investigators.

He has been released pending further inquiries.

Investigations are continuing.

Strike Force Raptor was established by the State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad in 2009 and is a proactive, high-impact operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and their alleged associated criminal enterprises.​

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ABC joins raid on cannabis hot-house

ABC joins raid on cannabis hot-house

It is a multi-million dollar criminal industry and it could be thriving in hot-houses just next door.

More than $25 million worth of hydroponically-grown cannabis plants have been found in suburban Sydney since April.

The ABC joined police on a cannabis house raid in south-western Sydney on Wednesday morning.

With kids playing in front yards and lorikeets squawking in the trees, the quiet street was the epitome of sleepy suburbia.

That was until about a dozen police officers smashed their way through the front door of a single-storey red brick corner house in Macquarie Fields.

No-one was home but there was tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment and almost 100 cannabis plants.

Most of the plants were more than metre tall and worth a total of $500,000 on the street.

Cameron Henshaw, an Acting Inspector with the South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad, says officers arrived just in time.

"It looks like the cannabis plants are almost ready for harvest, they've got large cannabis heads on them," he said.

"Some are almost the size of tennis balls by the looks of things there.

"Then they'll just remove them and dissect them and sell it individually ... you can smell it from out here."

AUDIO: Police smash cannabis hot-house industry in suburban Sydney (PM)
When the dust settles after the raid, what is often left behind are shocked and bewildered neighbours who had no idea what was going on in the house next door.

Wednesday's raid was the 74th such raid on a house in Sydney's south-west since April.

Nearly all of them have uncovered hidden crops of hydroponically grown cannabis plants thriving under powerful lamps blaring night and day in hot-houses which from the outside look like any other home.

The raids are part of operation Zambesi, the biggest urban cannabis eradication program ever undertaken in the region.

Zambesi is designed to be highly visible and intended to disrupt Sydney's cannabis trade while, police sources say, attempting to avoid raiding houses when the so-called crop-sitters are actually there.

In most cases, they are not serious criminals but what have been called "sacrificial lambs" - lured into the drug trade by chronic debts often accrued from poker machines.

A recent study of parole records found that almost three-quarters of more than 600 convicted drug offenders in Sydney's south-west said gambling debts led to their crimes.

Sometimes the house-sitters are caught out.

In a recent raid on a house in Dundas, a woman with gambling debts was living there with her young twins.

Neighbours said they were suspicious because a big pool in the backyard had been left to go mouldy.​

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Drug charges, Westbrook (Toowoomba)

Drug charges, Westbrook (Toowoomba)

A man has been charged after police executed a search warrant on a property at Westbrook yesterday.

It is alleged cannabis and drug related equipment was located at the Rowbotham Road residence around 2.40pm.

The 62-year-old has been charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and possession property used in connection with an offence.

He has been held in custody to appear in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court today.​

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[Jabberwocky]

Speed importer jailed for 10 years

Speed importer jailed for 10 years

October 13, 2011 10:55AM

A MALAYSIAN man has been jailed for 10 years for importing two kilograms of speed hidden in the lining of his bag.

Yesterday, a Brisbane Supreme Court jury took just under four hours to find Nageswararao Thathiah guilty of importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine into Australia, on September 18 last year.

Justice Julie Dick subsequently sentenced Thathiah to 10 years jail today.

Thathiah has already served 390 days in pre-sentence custody and will be eligible for parole in September 2015.

During the trial, the court heard Thathiah was arrested at Brisbane International Airport in September last year after Customs officers found four plastic bags containing a total of 1975.6 grams of methamphetamine in the lining of his suitcase.

Thathiah denied any knowledge of the drugs and said he had come to Australia from Vietnam for a holiday.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...led-for-10-years/story-e6freuyi-1226165669740

 

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Clandestine laboratory, Stafford

Clandestine laboratory, Stafford

Police are currently at the scene of an alleged clandestine drug laboratory on Moree Street, Stafford.

One man and two women are currently assisting police with their inquiries.

There is no further information is available at this time.​

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Police discover more than $550,000 of cannabis after house fire - Baulkham Hills

Police discover more than $550,000 of cannabis after house fire - Baulkham Hills

Police have discovered an extensive hydroponic set-up after a house fire in Sydney’s north-west yesterday.

About 4am (Thursday 13 October 2011), police and emergency services were called to a house fire in Goodhall Avenue, Baulkham Hills.

NSW Fire and Rescue extinguished the fire and after conducting a search, police allegedly located a hydroponic set-up in the house.

Police later executed a search warrant at the house and allegedly located 281 cannabis plants, 250 grams of cannabis and hydroponic equipment.

The seized cannabis has an estimated street value of more than $550,000.

Witnesses reported seeing a man driving away from the location at around the time the fire started.​

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Woman's death triggers drug charges

Woman's death triggers drug charges

Police have charged a 30-year-old man with supplying dangerous drugs to a woman who died in Hervey Bay, in south-east Queensland, on Thursday.

The body of the 23-year-old woman was found at a home in Scarness about 6:00am (AEST).

The man has been released on bail and investigations are continuing.​

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Drug seizure at Fulham Gardens - man arrested

Drug seizure at Fulham Gardens - man arrested

Police arrested a man earlier today following the seizure of drugs and a firearm at Fulham Gardens.

Police searched a private property in Westminster Avenue at about 9.30am and located 4 cannabis plants being grown hydroponically in a shed.

Also located in another room within the shed was a firearm and in excess of 100 rounds of ammunition and approximately 30 grams of methylamphetamine in the form of 'paste'.

The seizure of this methylamphetamine 'paste' equates to approximately 300 street deals.

A 43-year-old man from Fulham Gardens has been charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, cultivating cannabis, possess prescribed equipment and a number of firearms offences.

He has been bailed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court at a later date.​

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Drugs, cash and a firearm siezed at Glenelg North

Drugs, cash and a firearm siezed at Glenelg North

Police attached to Operation Mantle focusing on drug related offences, searched a house in Glenelg North last night and located approximately 3kgs of cannabis, $10,000.00 cash and an air rifle.

Police arrested two men aged 32 years and 31 years both from Glenelg North for traffic a controlled drug and unlawful possession, and a 64-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman both from Glenelg North for traffic a controlled drug, unlawful possession and insecure firearm.

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

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Defence sacks dozens for taking drugs

Defence sacks dozens for taking drugs

More than 40 soldiers, sailors and airmen were sacked for taking drugs in 2010-11, Defence figures show.

The Army discharged 30 soldiers for returning positive drug tests while the Air Force discharged five and the Navy sacked eight sailors.

Cannabis was the most popular drug, but positive tests for ecstasy, steroids, cocaine and amphetamines were returned.

There were 24 positive tests for cannabis within the Army, nine for amphetamines and one for heroin. There were three positive tests for psychedelic drugs.

Within the Navy, cannabis was again the most popular illegal drug with 13 positive tests returned.

Another six were found to have taken steroids while three had taken cocaine.

There were 3,769 tests across the RAAF in 2010-11, with seven positive results returned. Five of those were for cannabis, one for ecstasy and one for methamphetamines.

In total there were 81 positive tests across Defence with some of those related to drink spiking, while other members remain on duty or administrative action against them is ongoing.

The figures, provided by Defence, did not specify if the tests were conducted on the battlefield or on domestic bases.

Random and targeted drug testing has been undertaken within Defence since 2005.

"The rate of positive tests in the Australian Defence Force is significantly lower than in the general Australian community, and has fallen by around 80 per cent since the testing regime was introduced," a spokesman for Defence Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said.

"While any positive test results for prohibited substances are disappointing, it is heartening to see the rate of positive results is declining."

In 2009 the Defence Force denied reports some troops returning from Afghanistan were coming home addicted to drugs.​

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Drug charges, Stafford Heights

Drug charges, Stafford Heights

Three people have been charged in relation to the discovery of an alleged clandestine drug laboratory in Stafford Heights yesterday.

Around 1pm police executed a search warrant on a Moree Street residence, finding an allegedly active illicit drug laboratory in the back room of the home.

A 23-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man of no fixed address have been charged with producing dangerous drugs and possessing relevant substance or thing and are due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today.

A 23-year-old Stafford Heights woman has also been charged with producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs and possess utensils. She is due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 3.​

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Drug seizure at Fulham Gardens - man arrested

Drug seizure at Fulham Gardens - man arrested

Police arrested a man earlier today following the seizure of drugs and a firearm at Fulham Gardens.

Police searched a private property in Westminster Avenue at about 9.30am and located 4 cannabis plants being grown hydroponically in a shed.

Also located in another room within the shed was a firearm and in excess of 100 rounds of ammunition and approximately 30 grams of methylamphetamine in the form of 'paste'.

The seizure of this methylamphetamine 'paste' equates to approximately 300 street deals.

A 43-year-old man from Fulham Gardens has been charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, cultivating cannabis, possess prescribed equipment and a number of firearms offences.

He has been bailed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court at a later date.​

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clan lab and cash

clan lab and cash

Police from the Croydon Divisional Tasking Unit (DTU) last night and early this morning concluded Operation Cager, targeting amphetamine manufacture and drug trafficking in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Just after 9pm last night the Special Operations Group affected the arrest of two men, a 23-year-old from Mooroolbark and a 21-year-old from Seville in a car park of a Ringwood hotel.

A total of four search warrants were subsequently executed at premises in Vermont, Mooroolbark & Croydon locating a clandestine laboratory, more than $100,000 cash, and a significant quantity of drugs.

Two Mooroolbark men, aged 23 and 26, as well as a 23-year-old man from Montrose have been charged with drug related offences including manufacture and traffick drug of dependence.

They have been bailed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 21 October.

A 21-year-old Ringwood woman and a 21-year-old man from Vermont remain in custody.

The 21-year-old man from Seville was released pending further enquiries.

Senior Sergeant Jim Sutherland from Croydon DTU was extremely happy with the result of the operation and its positive impact on the community.

“Operations like this disrupt the trafficking of substantial quantities of amphetamines and other drugs and this will make a real difference to supply throughout the eastern suburbs.

“We will continue with these sorts of operations in order to reduce the threat of such volatile substances in the community,” he said.​

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Police arrest man following interstate pursuit

Police arrest man following interstate pursuit

ACT Policing has arrested a 21-year-old Queanbeyan man following a pursuit through parts of NSW and the ACT last night (Friday, October 15).

About 7pm NSW Police were parked at the intersection of Morton Street and Richard Avenue, Queanbeyan when they observed a blue Holden Barina travel past above the posted speed limit.

When police activated their warning lights the alleged offender accelerated away and police initiated a pursuit. The offender made his way through Queanbeyan and onto Uriarra Road, continuing onto Norse Road and into the ACT.

The offender made his way through the suburbs of Symonston and Narrabundah eventually entering Fyshwick.

As the offender made his way through Fyshwick an ACT Policing Traffic Operations officer riding a marked police motorcycle saw the NSW police vehicle in pursuit and also engaged in pursuit, activating lights and sirens.

The offender stopped at a set of lights and the officer shouted to the offender that he needed to pull over.

Shortly afterwards the vehicle came to a stop and police approached the vehicle. The man attempted to escape and wrestled with police; however he was overpowered and placed under arrest. The pursuit lasted for 7 minutes.

During a search of the offenders vehicle police found what is suspected to be cannabis.

The man was taken to the ACT Watch House and charged with possess a prohibited substance and a series of traffic offences including driving while disqualified.

The man was given Watch House bail and will appear in the ACT Magistrates Court at a later date.​

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Drug charges, Merrimac

Drug charges, Merrimac

Police have charged a 19-year-old Merrimac man with a number of drug charges after the discovery of a clandestine laboratory in Merrimac overnight.

It is alleged that around 8pm, a search warrant was executed on a Ghilgai Road residence and a clandestine laboratory was found.

Equipment has been seized by police, and the man was charged with one count of possession of a dangerous drug, one count of possessing utensils and one count of possessing property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence.


The man is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on November 2.​

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