Man arrested for money laundering and drug import
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Man arrested for money laundering and drug import

 

On the basis of an AFP investigation, a Burnside man was charged for the importation of almost six kilograms of methamphetamine, identity crime offences and money laundering. Investigation was into the activities of the 26-year-old Burnside man, who police allege is the head of a criminal syndicate operating within the Congolese community in Melbourne.

Police allege that the man imported approximately 5.9 kilograms of drugs on a number of occasions, and produced and used false documents for money laundering activities. On the basis of the investigation,  the  Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) officers identified three consignments addressed to one of the false identities linked to the alleged offender.

The investigation team unearthed methamphetamine from all the three consignments. First one was concealed within the lining of a suitcase. The second one was concealed within a tea set. The third one was within a box of USB drives. The ACBPS examination and analysis confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in all the three consignments.

Investigation was later passed on to the AFP team along with the consignments with a combined weight of 1.9 kilograms. In April 2014 another package linked to the alleged offender was seized and was found to contain 248 grams of methamphetamine. Following this, in May 2014, AFP officers executed search warrants at the home address of the alleged offender. The search resulted in the seizure of 3.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, two false South African passport and $96,500 in cash.

According to Jennifer Hurst, AFP Manager Crime Operations the community will benefit from the disruption of this syndicate since the criminal syndicate was importing drugs and taking steps to conceal the profits it made.

The accused in this case will be charged with importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 and knowingly producing false documents contrary to subsection 137(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Act 2006. The maximum penalty for the offences can be life imprisonment.

Methamphetamine hidden inside machinery seized, two Taiwanese men arrested
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Methamphetamine hidden inside machinery seized, two Taiwanese men arrested

 

Twelve kilograms of methamphetamine was recovered hidden inside machinery from China by Australian Federal Police (AFP). Two Taiwanese men have been arrested in this connection for the alleged imports.

A consignment described as ‘Torque Testers’ arrived in Sydney from China as sea cargo in June 2014. On information received about the suspicious nature of the consignment, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) ordered further investigation. Initially the consignment was subject to an inconclusive x-ray. Subsequently the ACBPS officers physically examined the consignment which consisted of five wooden crates, each containing a black metal ‘Torque Tester’.

On detailed examination and routine chemical analysis, officers found that all of the five objects  contained approximately 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine. The total weight was estimated to be 12 kilograms. The case was subsequently handed over to Australian Federal Police. The AFP has not named any Sydney customs broker involved in this case.

A simulated delivery of the consignment was effected to a residence in the Sydney suburb of Eastwood by the AFP officers. The consignment was taken into possession by 31 and 24-year-old Taiwanese nationals. They were arrested by the AFP for taking possession of the consignment.

The accused two Taiwanese nationals were charged with attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The 31-year-old man was also charged with import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The accused can get a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for the charges levelled against them.

According to Jennifer Hurst, AFP Manager Crime Operations AFP is committed to stop harmful drugs from reaching Australian communities. Success of this investigation is a yet another example of Australian law enforcement agencies working together to stop drug menace in the country.

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Strike Force Duperry seize 60 kilograms of ‘Ice’ precursor and arrest members of drug syndicate

 

Following investigation in Sydney, detectives of Strike Force Duperry seized close to 60 kilograms of precursor drugs and arrested a number of people.

Strike Force Duperry is a team investigating in to drug trafficking with members from NSW Police Force’s Organised Crime Squad, the Australian Crime Commission and the NSW Crime Commission, with support and assistance provided by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS).

In May 2014, State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad seized 15 kilograms of pseudoephedrine and arrested six men and one woman in Auburn. They were charged for large commercial drug supply. After the arrests, detectives executed search warrants at properties in Berala, Auburn (two properties), Wentworth Point, Granville, and Merrylands.

From Berala, officers seized one kilogram of pseudoephedrine and items associated with the supply of drugs. From Auburn, detectives seized one ounce of methylamphetamine, three passports suspected of being counterfeit, half a kilogram of powder believed to be precursor drugs, mobile phones, cash and documents. From second property in Auburn, police seized a mobile phone and implements associated with drug use.

Earlier Strike Force Duperry had seized SKS Assault Rifle and 300 rounds of ammunition, two kilograms of methylamphetamine (‘Ice’), with a potential street value of $2 million, 870 grams of heroin with a potential street value of $870,000 also $18,000 in cash alleged to be the proceeds of crime.

In the opinion Andrew Scipione, NSW Police Commissioner present day crime syndicates are complex, multi-faceted international operations. Here criminals from different backgrounds combine their resources to dodge law enforcement agencies, commit crime and make illegal money.
In order to counter this threat, agencies are working closer with interstate and international colleagues.

According to Chris Dawson, Australian Crime Commission Chief Executive Officer, the agencies together have dismantled a high risk, serious and organised crime syndicate. The success of this operation is an outcome of state and Commonwealth agencies pooling their resources and knowledge.

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Methamphetamine concealed in audio speakers seized, Nigerian national charged

 

A 44-year-old Nigerian national was charged with importing methamphetamine and heroin into Australia. The imports were through air cargo and international mail. This was the result of a joint operation between Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS).

The ACBPS officers noticed anomalies in two packages that were marked as audio speakers and handbags. On detailed examination of these packages, they found the packages contained a white crystalline substance concealed inside. Preliminary level testing showed the material to be methamphetamine. Approximate total weight of the substances was 1.6 kilograms.

The investigation and follow up were done by the AFP. Subsequently search warrants were conducted in the Sydney suburbs of Menai and Peakhurst. As a result of these warrants, police discovered approximately $60,000 in cash. This cash is alleged to be the proceeds of crime. The warrants also resulted in the recovery of an additional 300grams of methamphetamine and 300grams of heroin.

According to Commander Jennifer Hurst, AFP Manager Crime Operations, Australian law enforcement agencies including AFP is well aware of different methods used by drug smugglers. Agencies are also geared and committed to targeting and combating drug smuggling. Moreover the success of these operations is an effective demonstration of the combined efforts of the AFP and ACBPS.

Jagtej Singh, ACBPS National Manager Cargo Operations is of the view that the successful completion of this operation sends a strong message to both Australian-based and international drug syndicates not to import drugs into Australia. Also those who breach Australian border face the combined force of Customs and Border Protection and federal and state law enforcement partners.

The accused was charged with – Importation of a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, importation of a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, providing false or misleading information to a reporting entity, providing false or misleading information to a reporting entity, possession of a marketable quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, possession of a marketable quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug and dealing with property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime. The maximum penalty for these offences can go up to life imprisonment.

Drugs and weapons seized, two men charged
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Drugs and weapons seized, two men charged

Search warrants were executed at Varsity Lakes and Ormeau by Taskforce Maxima and officers from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS). Following this, two men have been charged with weapons and drug offences.

ACBPS officers at Brisbane International Mail and the Sydney Gateway Facility initiated investigations after they identified parcels containing weapon parts and other illicit materials. These packets were addressed to Varsity Lakes and Ormeau respectively. Search warrants issued by between the ACBPS and Taskforce Maxima were subsequently executed at the two addresses.

As a result of the search conducted, officers located approximately 500 steroid tablets, a quantity of steroid liquid and a Taser device at the Varsity Lakes address. At the Ormeau address officers recovered  a cache of weapons and child exploitation material.

At the Ormeau address, the search team recovered weapons including a M4 A1 Carbine, Heckler & Kosh G36, a G5K, a Walther P99, a PKA semi automatic pistol and a replica Desert Eagle pistol. The task force has not disclosed identity of any Brisbane customs broker in this connection.

For items recovered from Ormeau, a 42-year-old man has been charged with three counts of importation of a tier two prohibited import under the Customs Act 1901. Also two counts of unlawful possession of weapons (Category H & R). In addition one count each of unlawful possession of explosives and possession of child exploitation material.

For items recovered from Ormeau a 33-old-male from Varsity lakes has been charged with one count each of unlawful possession of a weapon (Taser) and possession of dangerous drugs (steroids).

Brendan Smith, Detective Inspector of Taskforce Maxima is of the opinion that the arrests were another great example of Queensland Police working in conjunction with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. He said the law enforcement agencies will do its best to keep weapons and drugs off Queensland streets.

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Operation Polaris seize drugs and cash, two men arrested

Operation Polaris conducted a series of investigations into serious and organised crime on the Sydney waterfront. As a result, police have arrested two men and seized a large amount of drugs and cash.

Operation Polaris is an initiative from the government to curtail crime. The initiative targets serious and organised criminal activity at New South Wales sea cargo terminals. Team of Polaris is a joint waterfront operation with members from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and Australian Crime Commission.

Detectives from Operation Polaris started investigation an year ago in this case. This was based on information on a man working on the Sydney waterfront and was allegedly involved in the supply of illicit drugs. In March 2014, officers from Operation Polaris executed search warrants at five properties and seized evidentiary items from four of them.

Soon after officers located and seized a small amount of methylamphetamine, steroids, electronic equipment and identification documents. This was from a unit on Kimberley Street in Vaucluse.

This was followed by search at a unit on St Marks Road, Randwick. From here the  police seized numerous re-sealable bags containing powder (suspected of being an illicit drug), prescription drugs, a large amount of steroids, cash, electronic equipment and financial documents.

Raid at a property on Sutherland Street in Paddington resulted in a much bigger catch. Officers seized approximately 1kg of MDMA, capable of producing approximately 4,000 tablets with an estimated street value of $200,000. Half a kilo of cocaine with an estimated street value of $400,000 was recovered. The police also seized  a large amount of prescription medication, a large amount of steroids, cash, a hydraulic press and other items believed to have been used in the manufacture of illegal drugs.

The police arrested a 38-year-old waterfront employee at the property in Vaucluse. He was charged with knowingly take part in drug supply and possess prohibited drug. Police also arrested a 37-year-old man from the property in Randwick. He was charged with trafficking marketable quantities of controlled drugs, and dealing in the proceeds of crime worth $100,000 or more.

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Cruise passenger with liquid cocaine in lava lamp charged

 

A 22-year-old UK woman tried to smuggle in 1.5 litres of liquid cocaine concealed in lava lamp. The lady was charged for importing approximately 1.5 litres of liquid cocaine into the White Bay Cruise Terminal, Sydney.

When the lady arrived on a cruise ship from New Caledonia, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) officers selected the woman for a baggage examination. On detailed scrutiny the ACBPS officers located a lava lamp with approximately 1.5 litres of liquid.

Lava lamp or Astro lamp is a decorative novelty item. It consists of coloured wax mixture inside a glass vessel placed on a box containing an incandescent light bulb. The heat of the bulb causes temporary reductions in the density and viscosity of the wax. The warmed wax rises through the surrounding liquid, cools, loses its buoyancy, and falls back to the bottom of the vessel in a cycle that is visually suggestive of lava, hence the name.

On chemical analysis, the liquid turned positive for cocaine. The ACBPS detector dog also responded positively to the cocaine concealment. The case was subsequently transferred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The AFP charged the woman with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, pursuant to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code 1995. The maximum penalty for the offence is imprisonment for 25 years and or a fine of up to $850,000. No Sydney customs broker is associated with this case.

Mr. Demetrio Veteri, ACBPS Deputy National Director Compliance and Enforcement said the Customs and Border Protection uses a range of technologies and shared intelligence to detect and disrupt the illicit drug trade. Whatever methods drug peddlers us it will be detected. This is irrespective of the concealment method or entry point.

According to the statement issued by Jennifer Hurst, AFP Manager Crime Operations “This detection sends a clear message that law enforcement agencies are committed to working together to stop drugs from entering Australia, despite the concealment methods used to evade detection,”

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ACBPS charge US man for importing ice and heroin

Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) officers has charged a  55-year-old United States national for importing prohibited items to Australia. The man has been charged with importing approximately four kilograms of methamphetamine (also known as ‘ice’) and two kilograms of heroin into Sydney International Airport.

Methamphetamine – meth for short – is a very addictive stimulant drug. It is a powder that can be made into a pill or a shiny rock (called a crystal). The powder can be eaten or snorted up the nose. It can also be mixed with liquid and injected into your body with a needle.

Crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) Ice usually comes as small chunky clear crystals that look like ice. It can also come as white or brownish crystal-like powder with a strong smell and bitter taste. Crystal meth is smoked in a small glass pipe.

Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine. Heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Other common names for heroin include big H, horse, hell dust, and smack.

Officers of Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) selected the man for a baggage examination when he arrived on a flight from Manila via Singapore. Even after getting the bag emptied the suitcase was found to be excessively heavy. During X-rays examination an unknown substance was found concealed in the lining of a suitcase. On testing this turned positive result for methamphetamine.

Officers continued with the investigation and found another unknown substance concealed within the lining of a black leather satchel. The case was handed over to Australian Federal Police (AFP) and they charged the man with two counts of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine and heroin. The offence can attract a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

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Man to face court over 29kg meth seizure

 

In December 2013, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) officers at the NSW Air Cargo facility decided to examine a consignment of two boxes from the United States. They were  labelled as nutrition vitamins.

On further investigation, it was found that the boxes contained 735 vitamin bottles with more than 48,500 capsules with a white powdery substance. Chemical analysis of the white powdery substance showed it to be methamphetamine.

On the basis of this, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has charged a 25-year-old Canley Heights man. Charge levelled against him is attempt to possess approximately 29kg of methamphetamine disguised as vitamin capsules.

Methamphetamine – meth for short – is a very addictive stimulant drug. It is a powder that can be made into a pill or a shiny rock (called a crystal). The powder can be eaten or snorted up the nose. It can also be mixed with liquid and injected into your body with a needle.

Crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) usually comes as small chunky clear crystals that look like ice. It can also come as white or brownish crystal-like powder with a strong smell and bitter taste. Crystal meth is smoked in a small glass pipe.

After the substance was identified as a banned drug, Australian Federal Police (AFP) took carriage of the investigation and later on executed a search warrant in Canley Heights, after which the man was arrested. Jennifer Hurst, Manager Crime Operations warned smugglers that this arrest is a strong reminder of the risks associated with attempting to import illicit drugs into Australia. Even though the smugglers are using sophisticated efforts to evade detection, Australian authorities will catch them and make them pay for their crimes.

On the basis of the charges levelled the offender can get a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment and or a fine of up to $1,275,000. Charges are one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5 by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

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Joint task force investigation cracks International drug syndicate

 

In an 18-month investigation codenamed Operation Diamondback involving multi-agency taskforce, 10 people were arrested. The team seized approximately 1.9 tonnes of a pseudoephedrine and vanilla powder mixture.

During this investigation three Canadian nationals were arrested in Melbourne, five other Canadian nationals and two Australian men were charged. On the basis of information received from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) and New South Wales Police Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF) initiated Operation Diamondback. This led to investigation on various importations of pseudoephedrine concealed in vanilla powder into Australia.

Police identified a storage facility in South Melbourne with 650kg of pseudoephedrine and vanilla powder mixture. The estimated street value is $ 100 million. The recent seizure could be made into over 100 kilograms of methamphetamine or ‘ice’. The operation effectively have prevented 300kg of methamphetamine from being manufactured and sold with a street value of up to $300 million. There is no connecting information on this seizure and any Sydney customs broker.

The investigating team arrested a 46-year-old Canadian man as he was checking in on a domestic flight to Sydney to meet a connecting international flight to Canada. This was followed by a search warrant in the Melbourne CBD where a 27-year-old man and 30-year-old woman were arrested.

Three Canadian nationals were syndicate members distributing the pseudoephedrine contained within the vanilla powder to multiple criminal syndicates within Australia. Who in turn would use it to make methamphetamine in clandestine laboratories. From here the products are distributed to the final customers at the street level.

Scott Lee, AFP Manager Melbourne Office gave credit for the success of this operation to the strong relationships between the AFP and its partner agencies in Victoria. He also said that the Australian law enforcement agencies are more united than ever in the fight against organised crime.