DRUG CASES
ANTI-GANG squad detectives have charged a man and a woman after seizing 7.4 kgs of methamphetamine, 1.5 kgs of cocaine and $13,000 cash. Detectives charged the two people as part of the final phase of an operation targeting the distribution of illicit drugs in the Perth area. It is alleged detectives executed a search warrant at an apartment and a hotel both located in Perth and found the large quantity of drugs and cash. A 24-year-old woman linked to the apartment has been charged with possessing a trafficable quantity of methamphetamine with intent to sell or supply and possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property (cash). A 50-year-old man linked to the hotel room has been charged with sold, supplied or offered to sell or supply a trafficable quantity of methamphetamine, possessing a trafficable quantity with intent to sell or supply, possession of prohibited drugs with intent to sell supply and possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property (cash). They have both been refused bail and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court at a later date. 18-08-2017 - This is a joint media release with the Australian Federal Police. A 63-year-old Vietnamese man and a 54-year-old Vietnamese woman have been arrested at Sydney International Airport after allegedly attempting to import approximately 18 litres of liquid methamphetamine. On Thursday 17 August 2017, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers identified the couple arriving off a flight from Vietnam. After an X-ray of their baggage showed inconsistencies, a further examination of the baggage revealed 36 bottles labelled as sparkling water. On closer inspection of the water bottles, ABF officers conducted presumptive testing which gave a positive result for Methamphetamine, the drug commonly known as ice. The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) who arrested the couple and charged them with importing commercial quantities of border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The couple were scheduled to appear in Central Local Court today (18 August). ABF Acting Regional Commander, NSW Tony McSweeney, said the seizure was another example of the ABFs ability to prevent illicit drugs from being smuggled into Australia through Sydney international airport. “This is not the first time this year and I’m sure it won’t be the last where ABF officers at Sydney international airport have managed to stop a large quantity of illicit drugs reaching the streets of New South Wales.” AFP Acting Sydney Airport Police Commander, Simone O’Mahony, said AFP members at airports are continually surprised at the lengths people will go to import illicit substances into Australia. “What they don’t realise is these attempts to smuggle in illicit substances can and do come to the attention of law enforcement, and we are ready to apply the full force of the law in response,” Detective Acting Superintendent O’Mahony said. 03-08-2017 - A citizen of the United States faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday, charged with attempting to import approximately one kilogram of cocaine concealed within a suitcase. The 21-year-old man arrived at Melbourne International Airport from Colombia on Tuesday morning (1 August 2017). He came to the attention of Australian Border Force (ABF) officers. ABF officers questioned the man before conducting a full baggage examination. A deconstruction of the man’s baggage revealed a petroleum jelly-like substance concealed inside. Presumptive testing indicated the substance was cocaine. Further forensic testing will be conducted to determine the exact weight and purity of the cocaine. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) attended and subsequently charged the man with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). ABF Acting Regional Commander Victoria said, “Our intelligence teams and front-line officers work together closely to identify persons of interest on their arrival into Australia”. The ABF continue to work closely with the AFP to counter a range of illegal activities at airports across the country. The man is due to reappear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on 25 October 2017. 30-06-2017 - Police and border protection agencies have significantly disrupted an international criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the importation of illicit drugs into Victoria. Seven men were arrested in Melbourne yesterday for their alleged role in attempting to import approximately 92 kilograms of cocaine into the city earlier this week. The drugs have an estimated street value of $30 million. Approximately $580,000 cash was also seized by police yesterday as part of the operation. The operation was conducted by investigators from the Trident Taskforce, who have been investigating an international criminal syndicate for more than a year. On Monday evening (26 June 2017), a cargo vessel arrived at the Port of Melbourne. The sea cargo container was taken to the Melbourne container examination facility where three suspicious black duffle bags were found concealed in a container from Panama. Inside each of the bags were 26 blocks. The substance concealed within the blocks returned a positive result for cocaine. Yesterday (29 June 2017), tactical officers from the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police assisted Taskforce Trident investigators as they executed a number of search warrants across Melbourne. Police activity occurred in Docklands, Parkville, South Yarra, Essendon, Caroline Springs, Mernda, Sunshine West, and Carlton. Seven men were arrested at various locations. They were:
The men have been charged with a number of offences related to the importation and attempted possession of commercial quantities of a border controlled drugs, and also money laundering offences. The 29-year-old Canadian man has also been charged with dealing in money or property worth $100,000 or more, which was intended to become an instrument of crime. AFP Commander John Beveridge, State Manager for Victoria and Tasmania, said police and border protection agencies played an important role in detecting and disrupting criminal activity related to the drug trade. “We are working together with our state police, Commonwealth and international partners to disrupt this toxic trade,” Commander Beveridge said. “We have excellent working relationships with our partners which enables the success of our disruption efforts. We are focused on keeping these drugs off the streets, but also bringing to account those who attempt to peddle this misery in our community.” Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana said the Trident Taskforce was a joint Commonwealth-funded maritime taskforce aimed at detecting and disrupting organised crime at the state’s waterfront. “We are continually working with the maritime industry, and the industry response to Trident has been very positive since its inception in 2012,” Assistant Commissioner Fontana said. “As well as the arrests of yesterday, this operation has led to arrests and seizures in other state jurisdictions and has caused significant disruption to an international drug syndicate operating across several countries. This has been a great collaborative effort by all agencies involved. “Syndicates such as these are motivated by greed and have no regard to the significant amount of harm they cause the Victorian and Australian community.” ABF Acting Assistant Commissioner, Strategic Border Command, James Watson said Operation Afloat was another win for the ABF and its law enforcement partners. “This was a very sophisticated and well-planned attempt by a criminal entity to import a large quantity of cocaine into Victoria,” acting Assistant Commissioner Watson said. “Despite the great lengths and extensive planning by this criminal entity, members of the Trident Taskforce, through a long investigation, have managed to thwart this attempt.” AUSTRAC Acting Deputy CEO Operations John Visser said the financial intelligence agency was committed to supporting its law enforcement partners in the fight against serious and organised crime and protecting the Australian community. “AUSTRAC used innovative analytical techniques to support the identification of individuals of interest and their financial networks,” he said. The Trident Taskforce is a multi-agency effort comprised of members from the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, Australian Border Force, AUSTRAC, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and the Australian Taxation Office. 28-06-2017 - An investigation into a threat by bikies has resulted in the largest seizure of ephedrine on record and the arrest of a drug supply syndicate during a multi-agency operation in NSW and ACT. Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad commenced an investigation in December 2016 following reports of an extortion involving members of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG). Their inquiries revealed a significant drug supply network, which included OMCG and other criminal groups planning large-scale importation of border controlled drugs. As a result of further investigations, which also involved Australian Border Force (ABF) officers and detectives from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) led National Anti-Gangs Squad and ACT Policing Taskforce NEMESIS, a shipping container was intercepted at Port Botany last Saturday (24 June 2017). The consignment was examined and 1.4 tonnes of ephedrine was located concealed in buckets labelled as sea salt. This is the largest ephedrine seizure on record and the biggest seizure of precursor chemicals at the Australian border. It is estimated the amount of ephedrine could make up to 1.3 tonnes of ice, with an estimated potential street value of $650 million. Following extensive investigations, police from NSWPF, assisted by AFP and ABF, commenced an operation across Sydney and in the ACT, about 7am today (Wednesday 28 June 2017). Officers executed 28 simultaneous search warrants at properties at Kurrajong, Glenwood, Londonderry, Cabramatta, Canley Vale, Georges Hall, Merrylands, Minchinbury, Seven Hills, Fairfield, and Penrith, and Forde, ACT. A clandestine laboratory was located at the Georges Hall address, which is being dismantled by the Drug Squad’s Chemical Operation Team. During the warrants, officers seized five handguns, 6kg of ice, 10kg of ephedrine, a portable clandestine laboratory, and more than $2 million cash. Investigators arrested 12 men – aged between 23 and 44 – who were taken to local police stations, where they will be charged over their alleged roles in the network. Details of charges and court appearances will be available later today. NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller commended NSW Police Gang Squad investigators after a reported act of street violence led to the dismantling of a multi-million dollar drug supply network. “This investigation is another example of the multifaceted nature of modern organised crime and the changing face of their structures, networks, and associations,” Commissioner Fuller said. “It highlights the strong relationships between law enforcement agencies both in Australia and across the world, working together to successfully disrupt criminal enterprises. “This is a significant disruption to the supply of a heinous drug that destroys lives right across the state. “NSW Police will continue to investigate, disrupt and respond to crime to make our streets safer.” Acting ABF Commissioner Michael Outram said the seizure meant that 13 million individual hits of ice would now be destroyed. “The 1.4 tonnes of ephedrine was seized before it crossed our border, before it could be used to make 1.3 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine and before it could make its way into the community,” Acting ABF Commissioner Michael Outram said. “This has been a significant operation and I want to thank the hundreds of officers involved, not only from the ABF but from the NSW Police Force and the AFP. This operation is testament to what can be achieved when authorities join forces and work together to achieve a common goal.” Acting AFP Commissioner Neil Gaughan said the global criminal environment today is complex, borderless and fluid with criminal groups active at local, national and international levels, investigations are increasingly likely to have an international context. “With advancements in technology and the increasingly borderless nature of crime, it is becoming more important than ever to work closely with our domestic and international partners to combat the common threats in our communities, in the smartest and most efficient ways,” Acting AFP Commissioner Gaughan said. “In the past six months alone, Australian law enforcement agencies have set new records for the seizures of cocaine, ice, and today, ephedrine. This is a credit to the work of all agencies involved to stop these harmful drugs from reaching out streets. “Our message to these criminals is clear – we will continue to go as hard as we can to shut down their evil trades,” Acting AFP Commissioner Gaughan said. 08-05-2017 - Two dual Australian/Sierra Leone nationals were scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today for allegedly importing approximately nine kilograms of methamphetamine through Perth Airport last night. After arriving on a flight from Qatar, a 20-year-old woman and 28-year-old woman were selected for baggage examination by Australian Border Force officers. X-ray anomalies were detected in the lining of both suitcases and initial testing returned a positive result for methamphetamine. Further forensic testing will be conducted to determine the exact weight and purity of the substance. The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police. Both women have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 and by virtue of 11.2A (joint commission) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). 24-04-2017 - Three men associated with an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) have been charged following a major multi-agency drug operation resulting in the seizure of approximately 119 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $119 million*. This operation, which has successfully disrupted an organised crime syndicate operating in Australia, involved the combined forces of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), South Australia Police (SA Police), the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Victoria Police. Commencing earlier this month after ABF officers detected anomalies in a consignment which arrived into Melbourne from Malaysia, it will be alleged the 119kgs was concealed inside a purpose built transport stand, being used to secure commercial equipment. Police enquiries revealed a similar consignment was due to be exported from Australia, and when examined, it will be alleged ABF officers located approximately $1.5 million cash – weighing more than 23 kilograms - concealed within the transport stand. Authorities will allege this money was the proceeds of criminal activity here in Australia. This seizure has stopped the movement of criminal profits overseas, and is just as disruptive to these syndicates as the seizure of illicit drugs. The AFP then began a controlled delivery of the substituted consignment, which initially travelled to rural Victoria, and was then transported into a large rural property in South Australia. On Saturday 22 April, the AFP with the assistance of South Australia Police arrested a 36-year-old Paralowie man after he attempted to access the substituted packages. Police have also arrested a 33-year-old Kilburn man and a 29-year-old Smithfield man who are allegedly responsible for facilitating this importation to Australia. On Saturday evening and Sunday, police conducted a number of search warrants across the South Australian suburbs, including the rural property in South Australia. During these warrants, AFP teams located pieces of equipment from the substituted consignment buried on the property. It will be alleged that this property was to be used to store this importation. The three men have been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). Police will allege the men are members or associates of a South Australian based OMCG. AFP Commander Peter Sykora, State Manager South Australia, said the operation, which involved dozens of federal agents working with state police across two jurisdictions, was a fantastic example of the dedication of agencies working together for a common goal. "The combined strength of police resources and commonwealth agencies had one common aim in this operation - to keep these drugs out of our communities and to defeat the destructive activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs," Commander Sykora said. "This attempt at importing a significant quantity of crystal methamphetamine had the potential to wreak havoc within the suburbs and homes of many South Australians. Organised criminals are singular in their quest to trade in misery, but law enforcement is equally determined to break the back of organised crime in Australia." Commander Sykora acknowledged the vital role of the ABF, South Australia and Victoria Police for their significant and sustained support in bringing this operation to a successful resolution. "Many officers have worked tirelessly over a number of weeks to ensure those responsible for this importation are brought before the courts. The interagency cooperation has been outstanding," he said. The National Anti-Gangs Squad will continue to target the dangerous criminal activities of OMCGs. Investigations are continuing and further arrests and charges have not been ruled out. SA Police’s Detective Chief Inspector Tony Crameri, Drug & Organised Crime Task Force, Serious and Organised Crime Branch says, “The arrests and seizure is a direct reflection of law enforcement’s collaboration, through joint operations and intelligence sharing, resulting in a significant seizure of an illicit substance which is a great risk to our community.” Detective Chief Inspector Crameri further stated that: “SAPOL will continue to work in partnership with other law enforcement agencies to tackle organised crime groups, including Outlaw Motor Cycle Gangs who are involved in the importation, manufacturing and supplying of illicit drugs. Law enforcement is committed to the reduction of the harm caused by the use of illicit drugs in our community.” “This successful operation highlights information sharing and joint investigations across all agencies are obtaining results. It is our intent to disrupt and dismantle any groups who are involved in the trafficking of illicit drugs and our ability to reach into these syndicates is greatly improved through the collaboration of joint agency operations.” ABF Acting Commander Danielle Yannopoulos said the concealment highlighted the lengths organised crime groups go to in attempting to hide their illicit importations. “It is no secret that the price paid for illicit drugs in Australia is amongst the highest in the world. For this reason, transnational organised crime groups—those that are motivated purely by profit and power—will go to great lengths to conceal their illicit drug importations.” “I want to thank the ABF officers on the ground who made this detection, as well as each of the partner agencies involved in the investigation. Jointly we’ve stopped 119kg of ice hitting our streets, and have dismantled an organised crime syndicate that was allegedly profiteering from this insidious and life-destroying drug.” The three men are expected to face the Adelaide Magistrates Court today (Monday 24 April). 15-04-2017 - A 33-year-old Melbourne man has been remanded in custody after attending Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today, and is due to appear again on Wednesday (19 April 2017) after allegedly importing approximately five kilograms of cocaine through Melbourne International Airport last night (14 April 2017). After arriving on a flight from Dubai, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducted an examination of the man’s baggage. During the examination they discovered the man’s suitcase allegedly had a false bottom, which when removed revealed three packages wrapped in brown packing tape. The packages were found to contain a white powder and testing of the substance returned a positive result for cocaine. The total gross weight of the packages was approximately five kilograms - further forensic testing will be conducted to determine the exact weight and purity of the substance.
12-04-2017 - A 25-year-old Sydney man is scheduled to face Perth Magistrate’s Court today after allegedly importing approximately three kilograms of methamphetamine through Perth Airport last night (11 April 2017). After arriving on a flight from Dubai, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducted an examination of the man’s baggage. They detected anomalies in the lining of the man’s suitcase and further examination revealed a white substance. Initial testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine. The man was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and charged with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). Further forensic testing is required to determine the exact weight, purity and value of the methamphetamine seized. 31-03-2017 - A 22-year-old Klemzig (South Australia) man has been charged with the attempted possession of more than half a kilogram of MDMA (ecstasy). The joint investigation between the Australian Federal Police (AFP), South Australia Police (SAPOL) and Australian Border Force (ABF) began on 26 March 2017 when ABF officers at the Melbourne International Mail Facility examined an international mail package from France. The consignment was found to contain a crystalline substance weighing around 500 grams which initially tested positive for MDMA. The matter was referred to the AFP and on 30 March 2017 officers conducted a controlled operation involving a delivery to the man’s residence in Klemzig. Following the delivery, a search warrant took place during which AFP members located the consignment along with a number of hazardous chemicals (pictured) associated with drug production. Due to the nature of these chemicals SAPOL’s clan lab team attended and seized the hazardous chemicals. Further drug-related items were located and seized including ketamine, border controlled drug pre-cursor chemicals, scales, packaging and electronic items. The 22-year-old man was arrested by the AFP for the attempted possession of the border controlled drug MDMA and was conveyed to the AFP Adelaide Airport Station. AFP Detective Superintendent Sandra Booth, Coordinator Operations and Intelligence, said working with our partners is essential to fighting drug crime. “We know the fight against drug crime is not won by one agency alone,” Detective Superintendent Booth said. “Drug seizures such as this demonstrate the flexibility of our investigators, and the strength of the partnerships we have both here and overseas.” South Australia Police Detective Chief Inspector Tony Crameri, Investigations Manager, Drug and Organised Crime Task Force said, "SAPOL will continue to partner with other agencies in the fight against illicit drugs". ABF Regional Commander Central Region, Rachel Houghton, said the ability of the ABF and partners to detect and disrupt criminal activity has never been stronger. “Our sophisticated intelligence and targeting capability aims to to identify these substances at the border before they reach our communities,” Commander Houghton said. “The South Australian community can rest assured that we, along with our partners, will continue to evolve and find new ways to disrupt this dangerous trade and target those people who attempt to profit from it.” The alleged offender received police bail and is due to appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 19 May 2017. 31-03-2017 - Joint media release by the Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police Three men have been charged following the seizure of approximately 300 kilograms of methamphetamine in Melbourne in a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF). A seizure of this size has an estimated street value of $300 million*. On Friday 24 March, ABF officers examined a consignment containing large metal gates from China. After x-ray images identified anomalies within the gates, ABF officers at the Melbourne Container Examination Facility conducted a physical inspection of the consignment. ABF officers deconstructed a section of the metal gates which contained a package covered in bubble wrap. The package contained a white chrystalline substance which presumptively tested positive for methamphetamine. The matter was subsequently referred to the AFP. The AFP deconstructed all of the gates, and a total of 300 one-kilogram packages of methamphetamine were discovered located within the metal frames. After further investigation, the AFP commenced a controlled delivery of the consignment to an address in Derrimut, Victoria On Wednesday 30 March, the AFP observed three male Vietnamese nationals attempting to gain access to the consignment. Police executed four search warrants across the suburbs of Derrimut, St Albans, Sunshine and in the Melbourne CBD, arresting the three men. Further search warrant activity occurred throughout Wednesday evening and Thursday. The consignment of metal gates was located at a factory in Derrimut. AFP Detective Superintendent Neil Burnage, Coordinator Crime Operations, said the success of this operation was a credit to the flexibility, perseverance and skill of the investigators involved. “Over the past few days, more than 100 AFP officers have been working tirelessly across Victoria to disrupt this syndicate,” Detective Superintendent Burnage said. “Any syndicate that can arrange an importation such as this has significant resources and reach, and the loss of 300 kilograms of narcotics is definitely not what they were hoping for. As a result of this seizure, these drugs will not make it to our streets and cause further damage to our community.” ABF Regional Commander Victoria, James Watson said the ABF is constantly adapting and improving its targeting methodologies and working closely with national and international law enforcement partners to ensure illicit imports are stopped before, at, and after the physical border. “As this case once again shows, organised criminal syndicates are using sophisticated smuggling methodologies to evade ABF scrutiny, but our officers have the expertise and technology to detect even the most elaborate concealment,” Commander Watson said. “This is a significant detection; countless lives would have been affected by this drug had it reached the streets of Australia, whether it be users, healthcare workers and families that have been torn apart by illicit drug use.” The three Vietnamese nationals – a 23-year-old, a 24-year-old and a 25-year-old – have all been charged with importing commercial quantities of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). One man appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday (30 March) and was refused bail to reappear on 3 August 2017. The other two men are scheduled to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court today. 08-03-2017 - Seven men and a woman have been charged for their alleged involvement in the importation of 540 kilograms methamphetamine into Sydney. The total street value of the drugs is approximately $324 million. The men appeared in Sydney Central Local Court yesterday following the culmination of a joint operation conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF). The woman was arrested yesterday afternoon, and is scheduled to appear in Central Local Court today. On Monday, 27 February 2017, a sea cargo consignment that arrived in Sydney from the United States was targeted and examined by ABF officers, who discovered a white substance concealed within 396 bottles labelled as protein powder. Initial testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine with a total weight of approximately 540 kilograms. Further forensic testing will be conducted to determine the exact weight and purity. The AFP then began a controlled operation, which involved the delivery of the consignment to a unit in Smithfield in western Sydney. On Monday evening (6 March 2017), seven men arrived at the unit and allegedly accessed the consignment. The men – all Australian citizens aged between 20 and 31 – were subsequently arrested. Each man was charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The AFP conducted a number of search warrants in western Sydney as part of this investigation. Police found approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine and smaller quantities of ecstasy and cocaine, along with drug paraphernalia, five firearms and ammunition, and $35,000 cash. As a result of these warrants, a 23-year-old woman was arrested at a residence in Green Valley. She was charged with: • attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and • attempting to traffic a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 302.2, by virtue of section 1, of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment. AFP Commander Chris Sheehan, State Manager NSW, said the final phase of the operation resulting in the eight arrests unfolded quickly. “Our officers showed tremendous flexibility, ingenuity and determination to bring to account the criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for this importation,” Commander Sheehan said “We will continue to work with our law enforcement and border protection partners to throw everything we have at those who threaten the safety of our community.” “On this occasion, we’re proud to say we’ve stopped half a tonne of this life-ruining drug from reaching Australian streets.” ABF Regional Commander NSW, Tim Fitzgerald, agreed with the AFP that all officers involved in the operation showed great determination in preventing five million hits of methamphetamine reaching vulnerable Australians. “This significant seizure occurred as a direct result of some outstanding analytical work after a 4kg seizure of cocaine in a parcel at the International Mail Centre in Clyde,” Regional Commander Fitzgerald said. “Subsequent intelligence analysis linked the 4kg of cocaine with a sea cargo container and lead to the detection of 540kg of the drug methamphetamine concealed within protein powder. “The ABF and our partners will continue to target and disrupt the criminal syndicates involved in pedaling what can only be described as an evil drug.” 17-02-2017 - joint operation, between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF), has resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of approximately $162 million. Two men, aged 42 and 22, have been charged with serious drug importation offences as a result of this operation which police will allege has prevented more than 1.6 million street deals of meth from entering the community. On 2 February, a consignment arrived via sea cargo from Hong Kong into Sydney. An examination by ABF officers revealed 380 boxes of cooking equipment, including ladles and spoons packaged as displays for re-sale. ABF officers detected anomalies in 142 boxes, and a number of vacuum-sealed bags were found, each containing approximately 285 grams of a white crystalline substance. The substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine, with a total approximate weight of 162 kilograms. Further forensic testing will occur to determine the exact weight and purity of the substance. The matter was referred to the AFP for further investigation, and after a controlled delivery, two men were arrested in connection with the importation yesterday (Thursday, 16 February). A 22-year-old Hong Kong national was arrested in Auburn, NSW and charged with two offences:
A 42-year-old NSW man was arrested in Wiseman’s Ferry, NSW and charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), by virtue of s11.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The men are due to appear in Sydney’s Central Local Court today. AFP Acting Commander Brett James, State Manger NSW, said this significant seizure should not be underestimated. "If these drugs had made it to the streets, we estimate this equates to some 1.62 million hits. These would have devastating impact not only the users but on their family, friends and loved ones,” acting Commander James said. ABF Regional Commander NSW, Tim Fitzgerald said the ABF continues to use their expertise and technology to detect even the most sophisticated concealments that these syndicates use to attempt to smuggle drugs into this country. “This operation has shut down a criminal entity wanting to bring significant harm and misery to the Australian community through the attempted importation of these illicit substances." 10-02-2017 - Four men have been arrested in Sydney and Melbourne for allegedly importing approximately 254kg of cocaine and 104kg of methyl-amphetamine into Australia. Combined, the drugs had an estimated combined value in excess of $186 million. An Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation commenced in December 2016 after the Australian Border Force (ABF) targeted a cargo consignment containing mining equipment which had arrived in Melbourne from South Africa. ABF officers at the Melbourne Container Examination Facility examined the consignment which included industrial mining equipment. X-ray images revealed anomalies within an iron ore extractor. It will be alleged that a physical examination of the iron ore extractor by ABF officers led to the discovery of 358 1kg block packages of cocaine and methyl-amphetamine, concealed within the equipment among a load of activated charcoal. On 19 December 2016, the AFP commenced a controlled delivery where the consignment was delivered from Melbourne to a storage facility in Sydney. Three men were arrested after accessing the consignment in Sydney on Sunday, 5 February 2017. During additional search warrants on Monday, 6 February, 2017 on the Central Coast of NSW, AFP officers also seized a large sum of cash in a compressed block of AUD$100 notes. The notes are currently the subject of further forensic analysis. A fourth man was arrested in Melbourne on Wednesday, 8 February 2017. A 47-year-old (Watanobbi) man and 75-year-old male South African citizen were charged with:
A 39-year-old (Doonside) man was charged with:
A 38-year-old (Roxburgh Park) man was charged with:
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment. AFP Commander John Beveridge said the AFP and its partners are committed to protecting the Australian community from the scourge of illicit drugs through targeted detection and disruption. “The AFP will continue to work with its partner law enforcement agencies to disrupt all forms of drug importation attempts and target those who believe they are above the law,” Commander Beveridge said. “These arrests send a strong message to criminals who choose to import harmful drugs into our community for their own profits – you will be caught, no matter how creative you believe your concealment method may be.” ABF Regional Commander Victoria and Tasmania, James Watson, praised ABF officers at the Melbourne Container Examination Facility for the outstanding detection. “Our officers have the expertise and technology to detect even the most sophisticated concealment. In this instance, our upgraded container x-ray technology has been able to penetrate through several layers of steel, machinery and coal/stones to identify these concealed packages.” “The success of this operation once again highlights how effectively Australia’s border and law enforcement agencies are working together to stop illicit drugs from entering our community, and how instrumental the ABF is in keeping these dangerous drugs off our streets.” Three men appeared before Sydney Central Local Court on Monday, 6 February 2017 where they were remanded in custody. A fourth man appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 8 February 2017 where he was remanded in custody to re-appear on 10 February 2017 for a filing hearing. Investigations are continuing. 25-11-2016 - Three Nigerian nationals have been arrested and approximately 26.1kg of methamphetamine seized following a joint operation between the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). In October this year, ABF officers intercepted three consignments containing 180 tins of liquid glue, originating from Mexico. Operation Shepody began after these three consignments were referred to the AFP for investigation. An examination of the consignments, located a total of approximately 180L of methamphetamine mixed into the industrial glue. The illicit drugs have an estimated street value of $15.6 million. On 13 October, the AFP conducted a controlled delivery of the consignments to an address in Edgecliff, NSW. A 45-year-old Auburn man, a 41-year-old Miranda man and a 49-year-old Pendle Hill man were subsequently arrested on Thursday 24 November, after the AFP executed a number of search warrants in Auburn, Pendle Hill and Miranda. The 41-year-old Miranda man has been charged with:
The 45-year-old Auburn man and 49-year-old Pendle Hill man have been charged with:
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment. AFP acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Sheehan, National Manager Crime Operations, said the AFP’s cooperation with its partner law enforcement agencies has never been stronger, both within Australia and overseas. “Working with our partners, the AFP has arrested three men and stopped almost $16 million worth of a very harmful substance making its way into the Australian community. Law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to target those who believe they are above the law,” AFP acting Assistant Commissioner Sheehan said. “My message to those contemplating bringing these dangerous drugs into our country is that you will get caught, regardless of how creative your concealment method,” he said. ABF Assistant Commissioner Investigations Wayne Buchhorn said the successful resolution to this operation was evidence of the excellent work of law enforcement agencies and the ABF’s layered approach to border security. “Our highly skilled officers are at the border 24-hours a day, 365-days a year to detect and deter harmful illicit substances before they reach our shores,” Assistant Commissioner Buchhorn said. ACIC Executive Director Intelligence Col Blanch said the ACIC has assessed that methamphetamine poses, by far, the greatest threat to the Australian public of all illicit drug types, and by a significant margin. “The ACIC is committed to working with our partners, to discover, understand and respond to the threat that methamphetamine poses to our community,” Mr Blanch said. Two of the men appeared before Sydney Central Local Court today (Friday 25 November). The third male will appear before Court at a later date 22-11-2016 - An investigation led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has resulted in the seizure of more than 500 kilograms of crystal MDMA and the arrest of two Chinese nationals in Sydney. A 38-year-old man and 34-year-old man faced Sydney Central Local Court yesterday (Monday, 21 November 2016) on serious drug importation charges. Last month, a consignment containing aluminum rollers arrived in Sydney. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined the consignment and detected a crystalline substance concealed within the rollers. While further forensic testing is being conducted to confirm the exact weight and purity of the drugs seized, it is estimated the consignment contained in excess of 500kgs of crystal MDMA. This equates to approximately 1.7 million ecstasy tablets, and has an estimated street value of $60 million. On Thursday, 17 November 2016, the AFP commenced a controlled delivery of the consignment. The operation culminated on Sunday, 20 November 2016, when the AFP arrested the two men. Additionally, AFP members executed search warrants on a number of Sydney premises, including a storage facility at Miranda, NSW. Both men were charged with:
These offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Detective Superintendent Brett James, AFP acting State Manager for NSW, said strong ties with domestic and international partners were paramount to combating transnational crime. “The global criminal environment today is complex and borderless, and organised criminal syndicates will stop at nothing to exploit the demand for illicit drugs in Australia,” Det. Supt James said. “We will continue countering the illegal activities of these groups with intelligence, innovation, and collaboration with our domestic and international counterparts. I congratulate all those involved in disrupting this criminal syndicate.” ABF Regional Commander NSW, Tim Fitzgerald, said the successful resolution to this operation was evidence of the value of a layered approach to border security and keeping drugs off the street. "The ABF is alert to the most sophisticated concealment methods. Our highly skilled officers use intelligence, enhanced technology and continuously evolving search techniques to stop prohibited substances reaching the Australian community,” Commander Fitzgerald said. ”The ABF will continue to work cooperatively with its law enforcement partners to target criminal syndicates who attempt to smuggle drugs into this country." 15-10-2016 - Joint media release with the Australian Federal Police. Australia’s largest drug haul this year has resulted in more than a tonne of crystal MDMA saved from entering the community and two men facing life behind bars after an Australian Federal Police (AFP) operation in Sydney in the past 48 hours. Two Polish nationals, aged 28 and 29, will face Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday, 15 October 2016) charged with serious drug importation offences following the seizure of 1.2 tonnes of crystal MDMA (ecstasy) which has an estimated street value of $145 million. The investigation commenced on Wednesday, 12 October 2016, as a result of intelligence received and working collaboratively with the Australian Border Force. On Thursday night (13 October 2016), the AFP executed a search warrant on a storage facility at Hornsby, NSW, where police located a consignment of aluminium rollers which had arrived in Sydney from Europe on Monday, 15 August 2016. Subsequent examinations revealed about 1.2 tonnes of crystal MDMA concealed in the rollers. This equates to more than 4.1 million ecstasy tablets. Further forensic testing is being conducted to confirm the exact weight and purity of the drugs seized. Yesterday (Friday, 14 October 2016), AFP members arrested the two Polish nationals. Both men were later charged with:
These offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The men were refused bail, and they are scheduled to appear before Parramatta Local Court today. AFP Deputy Commissioner Operations Justine Saunders said this is Australia’s biggest drug bust for 2016 and the amount of crystal MDMA has an estimated street value of $145 million. “This is the fourth largest seizure of MDMA in Australian history, and an important outcome for our community,” Deputy Commissioner Saunders said. “The size of this seizure and the amount of potential harm cannot be understated. It shows the lengths to which criminal syndicates will go to profit off the misery of others – while there is demand for illicit substances, criminals will attempt to supply it. “We are resolute in our efforts to stop the supply in the interest of public safety. The ability of the Australian Federal Police and its partners to detect and disrupt criminal activity has never been stronger. ”In relation to this operation, investigations are continuing into all aspects of this importation and further arrests are anticipated.” 19-08-2016 - A 29-year-old man is appearing before court today (Friday 19 August) after being charged for allegedly importing 210kg of methamphetamine, which has an estimated street value of $210 million. Investigations commenced in June after an air freight consignment of 15 boxes arrived in Sydney from Taiwan, labelled as ‘women’s jeans’. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducted an examination of the consignment after noticing anomalies within 12 of the boxes and found plastic bags containing a crystalline substance. A presumptive testing of the substance tested positive to the presence of methamphetamine. The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and an investigation was initiated. Subsequent forensic examination of the consignment by AFP officers confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine with an approximate weight of 210 kilograms. Following a two-month investigation, the AFP arrested a 29-year-old Bexley North man yesterday (18 August 2016). He was charged with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 301.1(1) Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). In July, the AFP also arrested a 24-year-old Blacktown man in relation to this investigation. AFP Manager Crime Operations Roger Brown said this investigation stopped more than 2.1 million ‘hits’ of methamphetamine from reaching the community. “This was a complex investigation resulting in the arrest of two alleged offenders, and it shows just how committed law enforcement agencies are to stopping these drugs from ending up in our community,” Commander Brown said. ABF Regional Commander NSW Tim Fitzgerald said the ABF is resolute in its commitment to stemming the flow of this illegal and dangerous drug into the Australia. “This seizure is yet another example of the ABF’s success in targeting large shipments of methamphetamine arriving in air and sea cargo,” Commander Fitzgerald said. “A detection of this size by the ABF has a direct benefit to the community by stopping this evil product reaching the streets.” The man is due to appear in Sydney Central Local Court today (Friday 19 August 2016). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment. 20-07-2016 - A 20-year-old Chinese national appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday (Tuesday, 19 July) charged with allegedly importing crystal methamphetamine (Ice) through the international air mail stream.
Taskforce Icarus officers from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and Australian Border Force (ABF) commenced a joint agency operation into these detections late last month (June 2016). ABF officers at the Melbourne Gateway Facility identified five suspicious consignments which, upon examination, contained a combined weight of 5280 grams of Ice. Each consignment contained over one kilogram of Ice concealed within dried cuttlefish. The total street value of the five consignments is estimated to be $5.28 million. On Friday (15 July), officers from the AFP, Victoria Police and ABF arrested a man at a Burwood address and subsequently executed a search warrant at the man’s Brunswick East residence. Officers seized a 2012 Mercedes Benz coupe under confiscated assets legislation. He was charged with:
• Five counts of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1(1) of Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). • Three counts of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, namely methamphetamine, which was unlawfully imported, contrary to section 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). • One count of possessing a drug of dependence, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 73 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act (Vic).
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment. Task Force Icarus is a joint agency initiative that targets those who seek to use the international mail and air cargo systems for criminal activity. 01-04-2016 - JOINT MEDIA RELEASE A 26-year-old Malaysian national is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrate’s Court today, charged with attempting to import methamphetamine, suspended in champagne, through Perth International Airport. On Saturday 26 March 2016, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers questioned a man who arrived on a flight from Malaysia and his luggage was subsequently examined. Two boxed 1.5-litre bottles of champagne were located, and it appeared the seal on one of the boxes containing the bottles had been broken. ABF officers conducted a presumptive test of the bottle’s contents, which gave a positive indication for methamphetamine, commonly known as ice. Further testing will be undertaken to determine the exact weight and purity of the drugs seized. The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), who arrested the man and charged him with attempting to import a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). 27-05-2016 - A Western Australia Joint Organised Crime Task Force operation has resulted in drug importation charges being laid against 14 people and the seizure of approximately 200 kilograms of methamphetamine worth approximately $200 million. The operation commenced on the 27th of April following the detection by Australian Border Force of a suspect commercial fishing boat off the Western Australia coast near Geraldton. Subsequent investigations led officers to a number of locations across Perth. Search warrants executed at an address in East Cannington saw approximately 150 kilograms of methylamphetamine seized while additional warrant activity at an Embleton house resulted in approximately 50 kilograms of methylamphetamine seized. This is the biggest methylamphetamine seizure in Western Australian this year, and the biggest since the seizure of more than 320 kilograms of methylamphetamine in September 2015. It will be alleged in court that the people charged today were part of an organized criminal syndicate that facilitated the transport of the drugs from the fishing boat to Western Australia via small watercraft. Six Malaysian nationals aged between 24 and 54-years-old and eight Chinese nationals aged between 37 and 56-years-old have been charged with commercial drug importation offences. The eight Chinese nationals were the crew of the commercial fishing boat. Australian Federal Police acting Assistant Commissioner David Stewart said this result is a testament to the dedication and tenacity of the five partners in the taskforce. “Since its establishment in April 2015, the WA JOCTF has now charged 43 people with drug and other offences. And with this most recent seizure, more than 275 kilograms of illicit substances have been removed from Perth’s and Australia’s streets.” “The globalisation of crime has become so complex that the law enforcement response requires a high degree of sophistication and collaboration in order to combat transnational crime networks. Leveraging the capability of each agency is a powerful force multiply that delivers a significant impact on these criminal enterprises and protects Australians from harm,” acting Assistant Commissioner Stewart said. WA Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Dreibergs said this quantity of methylamphetamine could cause immense harm in Western Australia as it equated to more than two million individual hits. “It is the job of WA Police and its partner agencies to tackle the supply of this highly addictive drug in our community,” Deputy Commissioner Dreibergs said. “The criminal syndicates that profit from the misery caused by ‘ice’ are firmly in our sights. We have achieved unprecedented success targeting the supply of this drug through strong relationships with our law enforcement partners combined with our local reach.” Australian Border Force Regional Commander WA Rod O’Donnell said during the operation, in addition to the ABF’s embedded officers at the JOCTF, its assets played a crucial role in providing surveillance of the vessel as it moved down the Western Australian coastline. “This once again demonstrates the ABF’s significant maritime capability and presence in our northern waters, and the crucial role the ABF plays in preventing criminal syndicates from using our maritime borders to import drugs into Australia,” Commander O’Donnell said. Australian Crime Commission CEO Chris Dawson said this 200 kilograms seizure could have resulted in approximately two million street deals of methylamphetamine with an estimated street value of $200 million. “The Australian Crime Commission has assessed that methylamphetamine poses—by far—the greatest threat to the Australian public of all illicit drug types, and by a significant margin,” Mr Dawson said. “These shipments of illicit drugs would have devastated countless individuals, families and communities.” Peter Clark, Deputy CEO of Australia’s financial intelligence agency AUSTRAC, said his organisation is working closely with partners in law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle criminal syndicates. “We are committed to tracking the money trail of these criminal networks that pose a threat to our national security and our economy,” Mr Clark said. The WA JOCTF is a team of specialists from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Western Australia Police (WAPOL), Australian Crime Commission (ACC), Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). Sent from my iPad
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