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Fifty kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in packing machines seized

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers initiated investigation code-named Operation Nightbird, at the Sydney container examination facility following information on illegal drug import.  They examined a consignment from China and seized approximately 50 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in packaging equipment. Two Taiwanese men were booked and charged for importing banned items into the country.

Investigation team from Australian Border Force examined a shipment consisting of three pallets comprising of 112 metal rollers forming part of a packaging machine. A white crystalline substance was found within one of the metal rollers during the examination. This made ABF officers suspicious of the consignment.

As a follow up, chemical analysis was conducted and the white crystalline substance turned out to be methamphetamine. The consignment contained approximately 50 kilograms of methamphetamine. The case was subsequently handed over to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for investigation.

The AFP started with a controlled delivery of the consignment to a residential address in Ashfield. As a result of further investigation, AFP officers searched a storage facility and arrested a 34-year-old Sydney man and a 33-year-old Chippendale man. AFP said these men were key facilitators and organisers for the syndicate.

In addition to this, from a Broadway property occupied by one of the men, 20 kilograms of methamphetamine was seized by the AFP. The potential street value of 70 kilograms of methamphetamine is around $47 million. There is no indication of the involvement of any Sydney customs broker in the importation.

The men involved were charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drug methamphetamine and one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawful imported border controlled drug methamphetamine. According to AFP Manager Crime Operations Paul Osborne this seizure is a clear indication that the Australia is still an attractive destination for drug cartels and there is high demand for Ice in Australia.

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ACBPS intercepts cargo consignments – seize weapons, drugs and cash

Execution of Customs warrant at a 37-year-old man’s address in Reservoir led to the discovery of various weapons, illegal drugs, clandestine laboratory equipment, ammunition and cash. The warrant was executed by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) officers. The team was assisted by Victoria Police.

ACBPS officers at the Melbourne Gateway Facility intercepted 10 cargo consignments. These consignment came from different countries like the United States, Italy, Hong Kong and China. Search in the consignments yielded illegal items. Seized items were identified as Tier 2 Goods controlled under the Customs Regulations 1926. Items seized were prohibited weapons, including BB Rifles, Airguns and firearms related items. No Sydney customs broker is associated with these imports.

Under the prohibited weapons were items such as 24 prohibited bladed weapons, 13 BB guns, Knuckledusters, Firearm parts and Fireworks and machinery used to manufacture firearms. In the category of drugs Australian Customs and Border Protection Service officers recovered approximately 7 grams of Marijuana and approximately 377 grams of Heroin. They also seized 2 prohibited lasers, 9 handcuffs and 1 teaser. Investigating team also recovered approximately $100,000 in cash.

The man arrested in this connection was charged with the following offences, possessing proceeds of crime, trafficking a commercial quantity of heroin, possessing and using heroin, possessing and using cannabis, possessing a prohibited and controlled weapon, possessing an explosive substance and possessing fireworks while unlicensed. Accused will also face charges from ACBPS under section 233BAB of the Customs Act 1901.

David Nockels, ACPBS National Manager Immigration and Customs Enforcement Branch gave credit to the success of this operation to the intelligence gathered by ACBPS. As a result of the identification by Customs and Border Protection’s Firearms Intelligence Targeting Team, the consignments was marked as high risk. This resulted the issue and subsequent action on the warrant. On the basis of the offences and charges raised, the maximum penalty for importation of weapons is a fine of up to $425,000 and or ten years imprisonment.

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150kg of methamphetamine concealed in barrels seized  

Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) officers together searched a sea freight shipment to Australia from Hong Kong. The shipment was declared to contain chemicals. On follow up
examination of the shipment, ACBPS officers found six barrels marked as chemicals. These barrels had many plastic bags hidden inside.

These plastic bags contained a white crystalline substance. This substance on chemical analysis turned out to be methamphetamine. Additional specialised  forensic testing will determine exact weight and purity of the drug. Initial estimates place the quantity at 150 kilograms and has a potential street value of up to $100 million. Government agencies have not disclosed name of the Sydney custom broker involved in this case.

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’) speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and the body. It’s stronger, more addictive and therefore has more harmful side effects than the powder form of methamphetamine known as speed. 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.

As part of the investigation drugs were substituted and delivered to an address in Epping, NSW. This was accepted by a 66-year-old Hong Kong man and was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug methamphetamine and attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug methamphetamine. Maximum penalty for these charges can be imprisonment for life, or a fine of $1,275,000, or both.

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Eighteen arrested in 12 month Polaris operation

 

Eighteen men, involved in an organised crime syndicate were arrested and charged with more than 80 offences. This was the end result of a  12 month long Polaris waterfront task force operation.

Investigation was initiated on the alleged criminal activities of an individual who worked on the Port Botany waterfront. This was further widened to a number of associated persons involved in drug trafficking, weapon possession and supply and drug cultivation.

On the basis of the investigation 20 search warrants have been executed at locations across Sydney and the NSW south coast. This culminated in the arrests of 18 persons who will face a total of 81 charges. Investigation also included three search warrants at the homes of three suspects and received evidence in relation to drug trafficking and importation.

According to Nick Bingham, Polaris Taskforce commander Detective Superintendent the operation’s outcomes brings out  the success of the Polaris waterfront taskforce. This also shows effective the cooperation between agencies and its ability to control organised crime syndicates within Australia and overseas.

Detective Superintendent Bingham said that from one small piece of information this investigation expanded to a wider area. The investigation team was able to make dozens of charges and seize weapons, drugs and cash. He appealed to the community, especially those working at waterfront facilities.

As result of this exercise 18 persons were charged with 81 offences, seized  73kg of prohibited drugs, 31kg of precursors and 150 cannabis plants. It also resulted in the aeizure of 14,600 cigarettes, seizure of $893,139 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime and seizure of 22 firearms and in excess of 3000 rounds of ammunition. Polaris Taskforce has not disclosed name of any Sydney customs broker in this case.

The men arrested were charged with offences relate to the supply, possession and manufacture of prohibited drugs and precursors. This included possession of instructions and apparatus for the manufacture of prohibited drugs, possession of unregistered or prohibited firearms supply of firearm, possessions of ammunition without authority, possession of stolen goods, possession of property from proceeds of crime, possession of explosives, directing activities of a criminal group, participate in a criminal group and contribute to criminal activity, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime and hindering an investigation.

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Ivory from Malawi seized at Perth

One hundred and ten kilograms of ivory was detected and seized by The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) officers at Perth. The ivory was detected while examining an Air Cargo shipment from Malawi. This consignment was being transhipped to Malaysia via Perth.

According to Rod O’Donnell, ACBPS Regional Commander Western Australia, Australia has some of the strongest wildlife protection laws in the world and is very meticulously implement in its word and sprit. He also congratulated the officers of the ACBPS for their commendable performance which resulted in the seizure of one hundred and ten kilograms ivory. Involvement of any Perth customs broker in this case is not known.

Australia takes a very serious view on the smuggling of endangered wildlife and wildlife parts. Men and resources are deployed to curb this horrible and cruel trade. The commitment of the officers involved in the seizure shows Australia’s commitment to protecting the world’s endangered wildlife for future generations.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wildlife does not threaten their survival. This convention actively provides varying degrees of protection to more than 35,600 species of animals and plants through regulating trade in these species. Australia is part of this convention and ACBPS enforces border controls for Australia’s obligations as a party to the  CITES.

Australia has its own set of rules and regulations to control trade of endangered wildlife, wildlife parts and plants. For example as per the the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, (EPBC Act) the export and import of wildlife products is strictly regulated. This is applicable for domestic trade and also for imports and exports.

For offences related to this trade, the maximum penalty under the EPBC Act is up to 10 years imprisonment. This also attracts a fine of $170,000, for individuals. For corporate entities this fine can go up to $850,000.

Polaris Task force dismantle drug syndicate, seize 230 kg meth and 250 kg cocaine
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Polaris Task force dismantle drug syndicate, seize 230 kg meth and 250 kg cocaine

 

As part of a major multi agency investigation into an international organised crime syndicate, Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce (JWT) charged six men with possession of drugs. The joint task force seized 230 kilograms of liquid methylamphetamine and 250 kilograms of cocaine.

The investigation and subsequent action against the crime syndicate was the result of a Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce (JWT) investigation. The investigation was a joint effort involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF), Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) and Australian Crime Commission. The team also got active support and close cooperation from law enforcement counterparts in South America.

On the basis of information received, the Polaris JWT seized a consignment of 20,000 bottles of flavoured water with destination to a Sydney warehouse. Australian Federal Police conducted chemical analysis and found that the consignment had 230 kilograms of liquid methylamphetamine concealed within the bottles. Estimated street value of the consignment is approximately $156 million.

In Bogota, the investigation team identified and seized 243 kilograms of cocaine. This contraband was also related to the same syndicate. The consignment was destined for the European market. Cocaine was hidden within cardboard boxes containing flowers.

The Australian joint taskforce also got information on drugs coming to Australia from Colombia. On the basis of this Colombian National Police checked two tonnes of fresh flowers consigned to Sydney. On examination they found 10kg of cocaine. This has a market value of $3.6 million.

The Polaris JWT investigators conducted 11 search warrants across Sydney in March 2015. On the basis of evidence gathered five Australian men and one Spanish/Colombian national were arrested. They were booked for their alleged involvement with this syndicate.

According to Nick Bingham Commander of the Polaris JWT, authorities actively target and disrupt syndicates involved in crime on Australia’s borders. Australian law enforcement, state, federal and international partner agencies cooperate across borders and jurisdictions. Aim is to eliminate organised criminal networks and stop drugs and other illicit commodities in their source countries.

Methamphetamine worth $65 million seized in Sydney
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Methamphetamine worth $65 million seized in Sydney

A Malaysian national and a Hong Kong national were charged with serious drug offences in Sydney for their involvement in the importation of 100 kilograms of methamphetamine. This was the result of a joint operation of The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS). The estimated street value of 100 kilograms of methamphetamine is approximately $65 million.

In February ACBPS officers at the Sydney Container Examination Facility identified and examined  a container from China declared to be “Kids toys”. During the course of detailed investigation, ACBPS officers located a false floor in the container which concealed a hidden compartment. The hidden compartment contained 100 kilograms of a white crystallised substance.

On chemical analysis and testing the substance proved to be methamphetamine. 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. Role of any Sydney custom broker in this case is not known.

On the basis of this finding, AFP and ACBPS officers conducted a controlled delivery to an address in Prestons, NSW. This was followed by the arrest of a 30-year-old Hong Kong national and a 37-year-old Malaysian national in a car park in Prestons.

According to Arthur Moerman, AFP Acting Manager Serious and Organised Crime, success of this investigation is an example of Australian law enforcement agencies cooperating effectively to target illicit drug importations.

Tim Fitzgerald, ACBPS Regional Commander NSW said Australia’s law enforcement agencies are working together to protect the Australian community from harmful substances. The seizure and resulting arrests prevented the production and distribution of a significant quantity of methamphetamines.

The charges on the men involved are importation of a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, attempt to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border controlled drug, and aid and abet the importation of a border controlled drug.

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Men lodged in a correctional facility arrested for drug import

In a major multi-agency investigation on drug importation, five men staying in a correction facility were arrested. Arrest for attempted importation of approximately three kilograms of methamphetamine into Western Australia.

Men who were arrested for the alleged importation were a 64-year-old man in a correctional facility in Walpole, a 40-year-old man from Westminster, a 38-year-old man from Westminster and a 56-year-old Malaysian national currently residing in Butler.

Charges raised against the 38-year-old man from Westminster was possession of heroin, methylamphtamine, cannabis and drug paraphernalia. The  28-year-old Westminster man was charged for state-based offences for the possession of a prohibited drug with the intent to sell and supply. The involvement of the 64-year-old man was attempting to facilitate the importation of drugs from an overseas drug syndicate while incarcerated in a Walpole correctional facility. He is also charged for attempting to organize the drugs to be sent to various addresses and contacts in Western Australia.

Investigation and arrest of these men was the outcome of a joint team work of Australian Federal Police (AFP), Western Australia Police Service (WAPol), Department of Corrective Services Western Australia (DCS), Australian Crime Commission (ACC), Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).

In addition three people were arrested in Taiwan in this connection. Taiwanese National Police Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) arrested a 40-year-old syndicate member. They charged him for attempting to send approximately two kilograms of ketamine to the United Kingdom. The CIB also arrested a 30-year-old syndicate member and his 24-year-old partner for attempting to send a three-kilogram package of methamphetamine into Perth.  No Perth based custom broker is known to be connected with this drug syndicate.

Taiwanese Police worked with Australian authorities regarding its delivery into Perth. The AFP and WA Police conducted a controlled delivery of the package to a residential address in Butler. Following this search warrants were conducted in Butler, Walpole, Westminster and Ballajura. This resulted in identifying the men involved and subsequent arrest.

Drugs worth $1.5 billion concealed in furniture seized
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Drugs worth $1.5 billion concealed in furniture seized

Australian Customs and Border Protection Service officers at the NSW Container Examination Facility intercepted a consignment marked furniture and another set of unmarked boxes. The consignment was found to contain MDMA and crystal methamphetamine.

In this connection, six men were charged by the Joint Organised Crime Group (JOCG) for their involvement in the attempted importation of three tonnes of MDMA and crystal methamphetamine (ice) into Sydney. The street value of the drugs seized is estimated to be around $1.5. Though the quantity of drugs seized is the second largest in recent past no name of any Sydney custom broker is mentioned.

The consignment with 2 tonnes of MDMA and 800kgs of methamphetamine was shipped to Australia from Germany. On the basis of the information gathered by the investigating team, police conducted a controlled delivery of the consignment to an address in Blacktown where its contents were removed and transported to another location. Six men were arrested when found accessing the boxes from the consignment at an address in Smithfield. All arrested men are Australian residents in the age group of 23 to 34.

According to Andrew Colvin, AFP Commissioner, agencies are working together harder than ever to stop drugs from entering our country. Working together as a part of the Joint Organised Crime Group, this seizure represents the second largest in Australian history and is worth up to $1.5 billion. Success of this also shows another success for law enforcement agencies in halting illicit drugs bound for Australia.

Charge raised against accused is that of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug. This charge can attract a possible penalty of life imprisonment. Law enforcement agencies coming together in The JOCG are the Australian Federal Police, the NSW Police Force, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Crime Commission.

Seven kilos of meth hidden in printer cartridges seized
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Seven kilos of meth hidden in printer cartridges seized

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) in a joint operation with Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) charged a 27-year-old Hong Kong national in Melbourne for importing approximately seven kilograms of methamphetamine.

Investigation in this case started when Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) at the Sydney Air Cargo facility got suspicious of a consignment of three boxes labelled to contain printer cartridges. On further investigation of the consignment, it was found that the cartridges contained a white powder instead of toner.

Further, the team intercepted an additional similar package. Here also investigator the package contained a white powder. Another interesting observation was that all four boxes were addressed to the same recipient. Chemical testing and analysis confirmed that the powder was methamphetamine. It is not known if any Sydney customs broker is involved in this case.

Members of the team, the The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS), started work to identify recipients of the package. For this they conducted a controlled delivery of the four boxes to an address in the Melbourne CBD.

The packages were received by a 27-year-old female Hong Kong national. She was subsequently arrested following her receipt and access of the packages. The lady was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine contrary to subsection 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). She was also charged for  attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.5(1), of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.

According to Scott Lee, AFP Manager Serious and Organised Crime, parcel post is an avenue of drug importation. The law enforcement agencies know this and are committed to targeting importations of illicit substances through all channels. He also said that this arrest is yet another example of Australian law enforcement agencies sharing information, intelligence and resources to bring criminals to account.