The Australian/NZ Drug Busts Mega-Thread Part Triforce

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Four face court over $250k cannabis haul

Four face court over $250k cannabis haul

Four Canberra men have faced Queanbeyan Local Court over the seizure of nearly $250,000 worth of cannabis from a property in Jerrabomberra in August.

Abdul Karim Nikro, 25, Adam Ahmad Jabal, 21, and Justin Brady, 25, have been charged for their role in the cultivation of commercial quantities of cannabis found in a house in Jerrabomberra, south of Queanbeyan.

A fourth man, Patrick David Mayadas, 28, handed himself into police after the other men were arrested.

He also faced court on cannabis cultivation and possession charges.

Nikro has already pleaded not guilty to the cultivation of more than 100 cannabis plants found in a house in O'Connor in Canberra's north.

The prosecution told Magistrate Brian Van Zuylan that phone intercept and surveillance material collected by the Australian Federal Police is being prepared for the court.

He maintained the men's bail.

They are due back in court in January.​

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Police find drugs and stolen goods at property - Cessnock

Police find drugs and stolen goods at property - Cessnock

Police have seized cannabis plants, laptop computers and power tools from a property in Cessnock.

At 4.30pm yesterday (Monday 7 November), police executed a search warrant at a property in Buckland Avenue.

Within the property, they seized a firearm, five cannabis plants, and a number of goods, which police will allege to be stolen, including laptop computers and power tools.

A 58-year-old Cessnock man is assisting police with their inquiries.​

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[poledriver]

Drug trafficker has jail time cut

Drug trafficker has jail time cut

A Canadian man jailed for life for importing more than a million ecstasy tablets into Australia has won a significant sentence reduction.

The drugs, estimated to have a street value of more than $90 million, were discovered in a shipping container in Melbourne in 2007.

It was said to be one of the largest hauls in Australia's history.

Kim Tsang, 41, was extradited from Canada and found guilty in the Victorian County Court of importing and trafficking offences.

He was sentenced to life in prison.

The Victorian Court of Appeal has now reduced his sentence to 29 years, with a minimum of 19.

The court found although Tsang played a major part in an "enormous" drugs operation, his original sentence was excessive.​

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[poledriver]

Agencies come together to combat online supply of counterfeit and illegal medicines

Agencies come together to combat online supply of counterfeit and illegal medicines

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have taken part in an international ‘Week of Action’ targeting the online sale of counterfeit and illegal medicines.

Together with over 80 participating countries, Operation Pangea IV was undertaken to raise awareness of the health risks associated with the misuse of counterfeit and illegal medicines, and has resulted in a series of arrests across the globe and the worldwide seizure of thousands of potentially harmful medical products.

The operation was carried out between 20 and 27 September 2011. Officers from participating agencies coordinated a series of joint operations to intercept and investigate the illicit importation of goods which pose a risk to the health and safety of Australian consumers.

Acting Customs and Border Protection National Director Trade and Compliance, Sharon Nyakuengama, said that the success of Operation Pangea IV highlights the ability of Australian law enforcement and regulatory agencies to work collaboratively across government, as well as internationally, to protect the Australian public by removing counterfeit and illegal medicines from the market.

“The collaboration between these agencies has resulted in a significant number of seizures, investigations and arrests. The great work from all officers involved will continue to prevent Australian consumers from accessing potentially dangerous substances,” Ms Nyakuengama said.

“The Australian public needs to be aware of the potential dangers associated with purchasing medications online.

“While the internet can offer consumers a convenient way to access approved therapeutic goods, they need to be careful that they are not inadvertently breaking the law, wasting their money or damaging their health.”

A TGA spokeswoman said that many products available on international websites were manufactured in unregulated and unsanitary conditions.

“Without taking measures to ensure an international website supplying medicines is legitimate, Australian consumers can face risks that purchased products may be fake, too weak or strong, contain undisclosed or dangerous ingredients or be past their use-by date,” she said.

The operation resulted in:

• the physical examination of approximately 71 international parcels, resulting in 20 seizures and 36 detentions for TGA determinations.
• more than 70,000 pills, tubes, vials and sachets being held or seized.
The majority of substances detected at the Australian border were slimming and diet supplements and erectile dysfunction medication, with some antibiotics, steroids, as well as a range of illegal substances commonly marketed as ‘legal highs’.

Further information about Operation Pangea IV can be found at: http://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Pharmaceutical-crime/Operations/Operation-Pangea

Further information about purchasing medicines over the internet can be found at: http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Buyingmedicinesovertheinternet.pdf​

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[poledriver]

Police recover parcels of cannabis in rural Victoria

Police recover parcels of cannabis in rural Victoria

Police have recovered more than 70 parcels of cannabis which appear to have been dumped in and around creeks in rural Victoria.

A local farmer in the Panmure area, east of Warrnambool, first alerted police to the parcels after discovering several under a road bridge at Mount Emu Creek on Wednesday 26 October.

Police attended and confirmed the contents of the packages were in fact cannabis.

Warrnambool Divisional Tasking Unit together with Warrnambool Crime Investigation Unit began a local investigation supported by the Drug Task Force.

Investigators then conducted an extensive search of the Mount Emu Creek area and located 53 packages floating in the creek.

The following day, police received an anonymous Triple Zero call leading them to the Warrymea Road Bridge in Framlingham, north east of Warrnambool.

Police located 18 more parcels, identical to those recovered the previous day, near a bridge over the Hopkins River.

South West Crime Investigation Manager Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Canavan said police believed the cannabis parcels had been dumped by someone travelling in a vehicle over the bridges, sometime between Sunday 23 and Wednesday the 26 October.

Police have described the cannabis as being years old and past its viability as a usable or saleable product, despite the professional packaging.

Det Sen Sgt Canavan said the parcels were wrapped in tight, narrow clear plastic wrap, which police believe would require the use of a commercial wrapping machine.

A total of 71 packages were recovered by police, with an estimated weight of more than 100kgs.

This amount of cannabis, when in a useable and saleable condition, is estimated to have a street value of more than $700,000.

Anyone taking the items can be prosecuted and anyone attempting to use the contents place their health at risk.​

here

 

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Man charged for attempting to possess 4kg of cocaine

Man charged for attempting to possess 4kg of cocaine

A 27-year-old Canadian national has been charged for attempting to possess approximately four kilograms of cocaine, which was imported into Australia concealed in computer towers.

The man is scheduled to appear in the Liverpool court today.

On 2 November 2011, Customs and Border Protection officers selected a consignment for examination at the Sydney Container Examination Facility.

The consignment had arrived from the Philippines and contained two boxes, each containing two computer towers.

In the top of each computer tower, where a compact disc drive would normally be located, was a package containing a powdered substance.

Initial testing of the substance indicated it to be cocaine.

The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The AFP conducted a controlled delivery of the computers and subsequently executed a search warrant on a residential premises yesterday, where the Canadian man was arrested.

The man has been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment and/or a $850,000 fine.

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Man arrested on drug and firearm charges – Woodville Gardens

Man arrested on drug and firearm charges – Woodville Gardens

A routine traffic stop yesterday turned into the arrest of a man on drug and firearm charges at Woodville Gardens.

At about 12.30pm on 8/11/11, a Western Adelaide police patrol stopped a car at Woodville Gardens on a routine traffic matter. As a result of speaking with the driver, police searched the car allegedly locating a small quantity of heroin, cannabis and one ecstasy tablet.

Police then subsequently conducted a search of the man's home at Mansfield Park, allegedly finding approximately 7 grams of a substance believed to be heroin, $12,000 cash and .357 magnum handgun with ammunition.

The seizure of 7 grams of heroin equates to approximately 70 street deals.

As a result, a 47-year-old man from Mansfield Park was arrested and charged with serious drug and firearms offences as well as unlawful possession of the money.

The arrested man was bailed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on 14/12/11.

These seizures have again resulted in a significant amount of illicit drugs, being removed from distribution within the local community.​

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[drug_mentor]

Hey guys I had to remove a couple of posts in here, as the first post in this thread suggests this thread is only to be used for the posting of news articles, so if you wish to discuss something else you are going to have to in another thread. Thanks guys. In regards to grounds of searching a vehicle, I got no idea what the rules are. They have probably changed in Melbourne recently but here is a great thread made by fortehlulz on how to deal with Law Enforcement.

 

[poledriver]

Top NSW cops in drug cloud

Top NSW cops in drug cloud

A FORMER superintendent and two other high-ranking cops are among a number of serving and retired police officers under investigation for drug use and supply.

A NSW Police Integrity Commission investigation, codenamed Operation Ischia, is now under way following revelations three senior officers were suspended for failing drug tests after an unofficial police function in Paddington in August. They returned positive tests for illicit substances, including cocaine.

The officers, two holding the rank of inspector, and an Australian Federal Police officer, remain on suspension while investigations continue.

A former superintendent of police is also under a cloud of suspicion.

As private hearings began late last month at PIC headquarters in Sydney, the drug inquiry was also widened to include events under- stood to have taken place in Queensland.

In terms of reference spelled out in the commission's annual report, tabled to state parliament late on Tuesday, Operation Ischia is also examining allegations relating to the "release of confidential police information and issues relating to the NSWPF medical discharge system".

Ischia has called on its Queensland counterparts to assist in examining claims illegal activity occurred north of Tweed Heads.

"Forming part of this investigation was a joint agency agreement with the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission relating to a number of suspected offences taking place in Queensland," the report states.

A PIC spokeswoman confirmed private hearings were under way but would not say whether they would be followed by public ones.

The NSW Police Force can randomly test officers for drugs but targeted tests are less common and are usually based on intelligence received.

Cases of officers recalled to duty to specifically undergo tests are believed to be rare.

The AFP officer was formerly a NSW police officer, but is now a sky marshal, or air security officer. Such AFP officers are armed and travel incognito on domestic and international flights to deal with violence - including terror attacks.

Earlier this year, Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione condemned drug taking in the police force.

"If you take recreational drugs there is no place for you in the NSW Police Force," Mr Scipione said.​

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[poledriver]

Police charge group with supplying drugs - Bathurst

Police charge group with supplying drugs - Bathurst

Detectives from Chifley Local Area Command have charged four women with a number of drug offences, after an investigation into drug supply in the state’s central-west.


Operation Stagehand was formed by police to investigate drug use and supply in the Bathurst area.

Police will allege between June and November 2011, the group were involved in the supply of a large quantity of heroin and methamphetamine, known as ‘ice’, to Bathurst residents.

Subsequently, police executed search warrants at premises in Bannerman Crescent and Simmons Place, Kelso, were they allegedly found a quantity of heroin.

Three women, aged 31, 48 and 52, were arrested by police.

They were charged with knowingly take part in the supply of a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug. The woman aged 48 was also charged with on-going supply of a prohibited drug.

All three women, from Kelso, appeared in Bathurst Local Court yesterday (Wednesday 9 November 2011). The 48-year-old and 52-year-old were bail refused to re-appear in Bathurst Local Court on Monday 14 November 2011.

The 31-year-old woman was bail refused to appear for a bail application today (Thursday 10 November 2011).

On Wednesday 9 November 2011, police executed further search warrants at premises in Kelso where they allegedly found an amount of drug-related materials and cash.

A 22-year-old Kelso woman was arrested by police and charged with knowingly take part in the supply of a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, knowingly take part in the supply of an indictable quantity of prohibited drugs and other drug related offences.

She was bail refused to appear in Bathurst Local Court today.​

here

 

[poledriver]

[NZ] Police find illegal stungun with powerful zap

[NZ] Police find illegal stungun with powerful zap

A stungun 20 times more powerful than a police-issue device was found by Napier officers on a drugs and firearms bust.

The stungun, which can deliver a 100,000-volt jolt, was built by a company in the US, where they are legal in several states.

Police said they were alarmed to come across the devices, designed to look like a cellphone.

They are classed as a restricted weapon in New Zealand and unlawful possession can result in a jail term up to three years and a fine up to $4000.

The two houses police targeted were occupied by people police described as having "gang connections".

"It is very concerning," Detective Sergeant Heath Jones of the Napier Law Enforcement Team (LET) said of the weapons haul which included two shotguns, a rifle, a semi-automatic 9mm pistol and four stunguns which were found at the Tamatea property.


Also uncovered were parcels of cannabis with a street value estimated at $9000.

Mr Jones said the occupants of the house were a woman and her daughter and that it was likely being used as a form of "safe house" storage spot by others.

The woman had not been charged but was assisting police in their investigation.

Mr Heath said he expected arrests to result from follow-up inquiries.

One of the shotguns uncovered had been reported stolen from Westshore in August, and a man had been arrested over the burglary at the time.

'Inquiries showed the pistol had been reported stolen from a house in Porirua in 2000.

"It shows that this sort of stuff floats around."​

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[poledriver]

Police raid Perth bikie properties

Police raid Perth bikie properties

A 42-year-old Rebels motorcycle gang member is one of three people being questioned by police after a search of his home in Calista, south of Perth.

Police say they found a 22 calibre, self-loading handgun, cash, cannabis and a trafficable quantity of what they believe to be methamphetamine during this morning's search of the Edmund Road house.

No charges have been laid at this stage.

Gang Crime Squad detectives have also raided a home linked to a bikie gang in Morley this afternoon.

They say they were searching for stolen motorcycles, firearms and drugs.

The raids are part of a continued effort by police to disrupt the activities of motorcycle gangs.​

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[poledriver]

Guns, drugs and cash seized in raids - Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad

Guns, drugs and cash seized in raids - Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad

Police have seized five firearms, drugs and cash during an operation by the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad over the past three days.

Strike Force Centre was established by State Crime Command’s Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad in June 2011 to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs and illegal firearms.

About 12pm on Wednesday 9 November 2011, officers conducted a targeted stop of a Toyota Aurion on Congressional Drive, Liverpool.

The 29-year-old driver from Liverpool was spoken to and a check of his licence allegedly revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2019. An amount of cocaine was found on the ground near the Toyota.

Officers subsequently executed a search warrant on a home at Liverpool, allegedly seizing a large sum of cash, a Beretta .38 calibre semi automatic pistol and a loaded magazine in a bedroom.

The man was arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station where he was charged with possess unauthorised firearm, not keep firearm safely and drive while disqualified. He faced Liverpool Local Court yesterday and has been refused bail to reappear at a later date.

A second search warrant at a house in Ermington led to the seizure of two .22 calibre semi-automatic firearms, a 7.65mm Mauser pistol, amphetamines, steroids and cash.

Yesterday (Thursday 10 November 2011), detectives raided further homes at Rydalmere, Dundas Valley and Liverpool, allegedly seizing a starter pistol and a stolen motorcycle.

As a result, a 29-year-old man was arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug, commercial quantity.

He was refused bail and is due to appear at Liverpool Local Court today (Friday 11 November 2011).

This brings the total of firearms seized by Strike Force Centre detectives to eight, in addition to over two kilograms of prohibited drugs, 20 kilograms of precursors used to make prohibited drugs and a large amount of cash.

Strike Force Centre investigations are continuing and officers expect to make numerous arrests over the coming days.​

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[poledriver]

Unmarked police car nabs drug fugitive

Unmarked police car nabs drug fugitive

A man who has been charged with drug dealing in southern New South Wales was arrested after he tried to hitch a ride in an unmarked police car.

Police stopped a Queensland-registered car about 6:00pm (AEDT) yesterday at a service station on the Newell Highway at Gillenbah, near Narrandera.

While officers searched the car its 36-year-old driver ran away.

He was arrested soon afterwards after flagging down an unmarked police car.

Police say they found 220 grams of amphetamine in the man's car, along with drug paraphernalia and cash.

He has been held in custody overnight to face Wagga Wagga Local Court today on charges including drug possession and supply.

A 50-year-old man who was a passenger in the car was also charged with drug possession, and released on bail to face court next year.​

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[poledriver]

[NZ] Meth lab busted in rural Northland

[NZ] Meth lab busted in rural Northland

A methamphetamine lab has been busted by police in rural Northland.

The property, in Oue, West of Kaihoke, was searched yesterday after Police received information following the arrest of a 36-year-old man in Auckland.

Police found chemicals and equipment used to manufacture methamphetamine, as well as firearms and ammunition.

Quad bikes, cars, televisions, jewelry, cameras and more than 20 laptops were also seized.​

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[poledriver]

Man charged over alleged clandestine laboratory, Labrador

Man charged over alleged clandestine laboratory, Labrador

Police have charged a 29-year-old local man with four drug offences after officers allegedly located a clandestine drug laboratory at a Labrador home this morning.

Police attended a Bath Street residence around 10.50am where they located materials allegedly used to produce amphetamines.

The man was charged with one count each of producing dangerous, permitting use of a place, possession of a thing and fail to dispose of a syringe.

He is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court tomorrow.​

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[poledriver]

Three men arrested after drugs located at Mansfield Park

Three men arrested after drugs located at Mansfield Park

At about 5.30pm yesterday 11 November, police from Western Adelaide Operation Mantle stopped and searched a car at Mansfield Park.

During the search police allegedly located approximately 7 grams of a substance believed to be amphetamine in the form of 'Ice'.

Police then conducted a search of a Mansfield Park home and located approximately 28 grams of a substance believed to be heroin.

Three men were arrested and charged with drug offences, a 47-year-old from Woodville Gardens, a 41-year-old from Mansfield Park and a 48-year-old also from Mansfield Park.

Police refused bail for the Woodville Gardens man. Bail was granted to the other two men and they will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court at a later date.

The seizure of 7 grams of amphetamine equates to approximately 70 street deals.

The seizure of 28 grams of heroin equates to approximately 280 street deals.

This seizure has resulted in a significant amount of drugs that would cause harm, being removed from distribution within the local community.​

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[Jabberwocky]

Drug kingpin Erkan Ayik 'had secret police files'

THE older brother of wanted NSW drug lord Hakan Ayik is facing life behind bars after he pleaded guilty to his role in a record heroin seizure.

Busted with $8 million in high-grade heroin, Erkan Ayik, 33, was also caught in possession of secret and highly sensitive police documents.

The 12-page intelligence report, which The Sunday Telegraph believes relates to members of the Comanchero bikie gang, was found by detectives during a raid at Ayik's house in Brighton Le Sands last year.

"That document is confidential and only available to members of the NSW Police Force," the police facts state.

Erkan Ayik admitted to supplying the staggering amount of drugs, billed in court as "one of the highest, if not the highest, non-border seizure(s) of heroin ever recorded" in NSW.

According to police facts tendered on Central Local Court on Thursday, Erkan Ayik was behind the supply of 80 "blocks" of heroin, which had been imported from Asia for distribution.

His role in the syndicate was to move the drugs into the hands of another man arrested in the sting, the court heard.

Investigators had been watching the two men and a group of others for more than a year as part of a taskforce into organised crime, led by the Australian Crime Commission.

The seizure, the court heard, was valued at between $7.2 million and $8 million in its raw state. However, after being cut and sold at street level, police said the value of the haul would be in the range of $33 million.

Ayik's arrest unfolded during a major transaction of heroin on July 31, 2010.

According to police facts tendered in court, a drug courier was allegedly sent to Ayik's house at Gordon St, Brighton Le-Sands, which is where the transfer of the heroin took place.

Police pulled over his vehicle on Botany road, Mascot, allegedly finding a staggering 28kg of the drug inside the boot of the vehicle.

Ayik will appear in court again on Friday.

Police have now set their sights on tracking down Erkan's brother Hakan - who heads NSW's most wanted list - and is allegedly the financier and fixer for the Comanchero gang.

Detectives believe he is most likely hiding somewhere in the Mediterranean, possibly in Northern Cyprus or Turkey, his country of origin.

(http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...ret-police-files/story-fn7y9brv-1226193375508)

 

[poledriver]

Gold Coast police target illicit drugs in Operation Sentinel V – Day 2

Gold Coast police target illicit drugs in Operation Sentinel V – Day 2

Police from the Gold Coast continued Operation Sentinel V overnight which targets illicit drug possession in Gold Coast entertainment precincts.

The operation involved passive drug detection dogs, plain clothes and uniformed officers and support was provided by State Crime Operations Command.

Drugs that were seized during the operation included cannabis and ecstasy.

Last night, police charged 5 people with 9 drug related charges.

Gold Coast District Officer Superintendent Paul Ziebarth said police will continue to work closely with the local community and businesses to ensure the Gold Coast entertainment precincts are safe and secure places for people to live, work and visit.

“Information from the public is vital in helping to keep our entertainment precincts safe and secure from the impact of drug induced violence and harm, we ask the community to work with us and call Crime Stoppers, anonymously if you wish, on 1800 333 000 with information.

“We have been heartened by the cooperation from the many responsible nightclub owners who have also invited police conducting passive drug detections onto their premises.

“This weekend we have seen a noticeable improvement in intoxication levels and we look forward to working in partnership with the industry to address drug and alcohol related disorder and violence that tarnishes the enjoyment of entertainment precincts.”

“The focus for Operation Sentinel is to minimise the consequences of alcohol and drug related violence and harm.”

Police have also charged 16 other people on 16 charges including drunk, public nuisance, disorderly on licensed premises, public urination and breach of the peace offences.

Operation Sentinel has been running since March 18, 2011, and has been held over six nights targeting Surfers Paradise and Broachbeach entertainment precincts.

Since its implementation, 239 people have been charged on 271 matters.

This includes 68 people charged with 90 drug related charges including 70 x Possession of a dangerous drug, 14 x Possession of a utensil, 1 x Trafficking a dangerous drug, 4 x Supply of a dangerous drug and 1 x producing dangerous drug.​

here

 

[poledriver]

Three arrested, $592,000 worth of cannabis plants and semi-automatic firearm located

Three arrested, $592,000 worth of cannabis plants and semi-automatic firearm located in state's west

Three men were arrested after cannabis plants and a semi-automatic firearm were discovered on a property in the state’s west.

On Friday 11 November 2011, police helicopter “Polair 2” was flying over the Mendooran area when the crew noticed an alleged cannabis crop on a property below.

A subsequent search of the Denmire Road property by police from the Orana Local Area Command and the Forensic Services Group located 296 plants with an estimated potential street value of $592,,000, a semi-automatic shotgun and other firearms

Three men were arrested on the property and taken to Dubbo Police Station.

Two men, aged 24 and 65, were both subsequently charged with firearms offences.

They were granted conditional bail and will appear in Dubbo Local Court on 11 January 2012.

A 69-year-old man was charged with cultivating a prohibited plant (greater than a commercial quantity).

He was refused bail and will appear in Gilgandra Local Court tomorrow (Monday 14 November 2011).

Orana Local Area Commander Acting Superintendent Rod Blackman said the operation should serve as a reminder to the community police would continue targeting drug manufacture and supply.

“The ongoing harm illicit substances cause in the community is all the motivation police need to keep combating the drug trade locally and across the state.​

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