infodrug@fanclub.pm, Author at Drug Busts Worldwide

Police seize 10 tonnes of methylamphetamine chemicals from Wimmera property

Police have uncovered $500 million worth of chemicals in regional Victoria which they allege were due to be made into tonnes of methylamphetamine. A 200-acre rural property in the Wimmera region was searched by the clandestine laboratory squad and Horsham crime investigation unit on Tuesday. Police say they found more than 50 drums of methylamphetamine precursor chemicals that weighed more than 10 tonnes, and seized two unsecured firearms, ammunition and a small amount of methylamphetamine. A 59-year-old man was arrested at the address and later released. The find is part of a 20-month-long investigation into an alleged drug trafficking operation in Victoria, with police shutting down three clandestine laboratories in Coburg North, Pascoe Vale and Monegeetta during that time. A 44-year-old Newport man was also charged earlier in the year as part of the operation, after a man and woman allegedly carried 6 kilograms of MDMA hidden in a sleeping bag onto the Spirit of Tasmania ferry at the Port of Geelong on August 21. He was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of MDMA and has been remanded to face Melbourne Magistratres’ Court later this month. As part of the investigation, which started in February last year, officers have also recovered more than $1 million in stolen vehicles and motorbikes that were being used in a re-birthing operation, seized eight firearms, and charged eight people. They have also seized commercial quantities of methylamphetamine, amphetamines and cannabis. 14 November 2024 Source: ABC News

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CBP Officers Intercept Chocolate-Concealed Cocaine in Shipment from Guatemala

Cocaine

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a shipment of cocaine cleverly concealed within chocolate products arriving from Guatemala. The smuggling attempt, uncovered during a routine inspection, highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods traffickers use to bypass detection. Authorities seized the narcotics, preventing the illicit cargo from reaching U.S. streets. As drug cartels continue exploiting global trade routes, CBP remains vigilant in disrupting trafficking networks. This latest bust underscores the critical role of border enforcement in combating international drug smuggling, ensuring that illegal substances do not infiltrate legitimate supply chains. Investigations into the source of the shipment continue.

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Court told a relative of Schapelle Corby stung in massive 750kg+ MDMA bust

MDMA

A relative of infamous Bali drug mule Schapelle Corby helped move dozens of boxes containing more than 750kg of MDMA, using a sophisticated hidden truck compartment to store the drugs, a court has been told. Viliami Taani Paea Kisina and Benjamin David Englefield both acted as couriers for the trans-international drug syndicate before they were arrested by detectives in 2019. The sophisticated operation involved the use of fake companies, with fake business cards, to try and avoid detection by authorities. But the pair will learn their fate on another date after Supreme Court Justice Ryan reserved her decision on Monday afternoon. Englefield pleaded guilty to a single charge of supplying dangerous drugs. Kisina – who is related to Schapelle Corby through her half-brother James Kisina – pleaded guilty to the same charge and an additional count of contravening a direction or requirement of a police officer. There is no suggestion Ms Corby had any involvement in the offending and she is not accused of any wrongdoing. Brisbane Supreme Court was told police located the haul of drugs at an apartment in Brisbane in July 2019. They found 32 storage boxes containing 752kg of MDMA with a 71-72 per cent purity, packed in hundreds of vacuum-sealed bags. Crown prosecutor Brendan White said police replaced the drugs with brown sugar and special tracking devices as part of a police operation. Kisina, 31, collected the drugs from the apartment on August 4 that year and drove to meet Englefield, 47, in Coorparoo. The court was told the pair then transferred the boxes into a larger truck, which had been driven by Englefield from NSW. In police videos played to the court, detectives are seen using a remote control fob device to move a false wall which contained the boxes of MDMA. The fob device was seized by police when a search warrant was executed at Englefield’s Lennox Head unit. Mr White said the vehicles being driven by Englefield and Kisina were registered under false names and falsely-created companies – with their own business cards – in an “intense effort” to avoid detection. He said the bulk value of the drugs alone was $45m. “But it had potential once sold in retail to be somewhere between $114m and $536m,” Mr White said. “This represents something in the order of 70 per cent of the MDMA that comes into Australia per year.” Kisina was also captured on film unloading the boxes from the truck. Mr White said the pair were aware the boxes contained dangerous drugs or “some other illegal product” and both “didn’t really care”. Barrister Murugan Thangaraj, acting for Englefield, said neither defendant had anything to do with modifying the vehicles or setting up the fake companies. A bundle of documents, including multiple references and a letter of apology, was tendered in his support. Mr Thangaraj was told Englefield’s role had been “conflated” as there were other people involved in the syndicate who were higher up. “There are people at a senior level, and there are couriers,” he said. Kisina’s barrister Patrick McCafferty said his client had a stable employment and worked for family-owned businesses for two years before the offending. Kisina was joined by a large gathering of family members who supported him in court. The court was told he was only paid $500 to move the boxes. Mr McCafferty said his client was effectively a “courier” in the offending 28 October 2024 Source: News.com

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Sydney man charged over alleged plot to import more than 250kg of ‘pink cocaine’

Cocaine

A Sydney man has been charged over an alleged plot to import more than 250 kilograms of “pink cocaine”, a potent and highly sought-after synthetic drug. Authorities intercepted the shipment before it could reach Australian streets, dealing a major blow to international trafficking networks. Investigators believe the suspect played a key role in orchestrating the smuggling operation, which involved concealing the illicit substance within commercial cargo. As law enforcement cracks down on the rising influx of synthetic drugs, this case highlights the ongoing battle against international drug syndicates and the sophisticated methods used to distribute high-value narcotics.

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$80m worth of illicit drugs caught at Sydney and Melbourne airports in 24 hours

Methamphetamine

In a stunning display of law enforcement prowess, Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have dealt a significant blow to international drug syndicates. In a series of coordinated operations, authorities intercepted over 100 kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $80 million. The first incident unfolded at Melbourne Airport, where a 20-year-old and a 33-year-old from the UK were apprehended. Within their luggage, authorities discovered 26 kilograms of cocaine, a seizure that could have flooded Australian streets with a substantial amount of the illicit drug. Just a day later, at Sydney Airport, a 38-year-old UK-Northern Ireland dual national was intercepted. Concealed within packages disguised as Chinese tea, authorities uncovered approximately 25 kilograms of methamphetamine, a potent and highly addictive stimulant. In yet another significant bust, also at Sydney Airport, a 21-year-old NSW woman and a 23-year-old New Zealand woman were arrested. The pair had attempted to smuggle 52 packages containing methamphetamine, each weighing approximately one kilogram. The combined weight of the seized drugs underscores the scale of the operations and the potential harm they could have inflicted on Australian communities. Experts estimate that these seizures prevented hundreds of thousands of individual drug deals, significantly reducing the supply of these harmful substances and mitigating their devastating impact. Graeme Campbell, ABF’s acting commander of travel, emphasized the significance of these arrests. “These arrests send a strong message to those involved in drug trafficking,” he said. “Our law enforcement agencies are vigilant and committed to disrupting these criminal networks and protecting our communities.” This series of busts highlights the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking operations and the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies to stay ahead of the curve. By working together, the AFP and ABF have demonstrated their ability to dismantle transnational drug syndicates and prevent harmful drugs from reaching Australian shores. As the war on drugs continues, these agencies remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting the nation. 31 October 2024

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Criminal couple linked to one of Australia’s biggest drug busts hit with lengthy jail terms

Methamphetamine

Melbourne, Australia – A complex international drug smuggling operation, orchestrated by a pair of seasoned criminals, has been dismantled by Australian and US law enforcement. Nasser Abo Abdo, a man once known as “The Engine” and “The Mechanic” for his logistical prowess, and his partner Leonor Fajardo, have been sentenced to lengthy jail terms for their involvement in one of Australia’s largest drug busts. The duo, who arrived in Australia in 2017 under the guise of car audio importers, were secretly running a sophisticated drug smuggling operation. Their plan involved importing over a ton of methamphetamine and 16 kilograms of cocaine hidden within audio equipment shipped from Los Angeles to Melbourne. International Cooperation and Undercover Operations Law enforcement agencies on both sides of the Pacific worked tirelessly to bring the criminals to justice. Undercover agents, including a US Homeland Security operative known as “1474,” played a crucial role in disrupting the operation. The agent replaced the illicit drugs with a harmless substance before they could reach Australian shores. A Heavy Sentence for a Major Crime Judge Michael O’Connell described the crime as one of the most serious drug offenses ever prosecuted in Australia, emphasizing the potential social harm the drugs could have caused. The estimated street value of the seized drugs ranged from $498 million to $828 million. Despite their criminal activities, Abo Abdo and Fajardo were described as model prisoners during their time in custody. However, their significant roles in the drug syndicate warranted substantial jail terms. Abo Abdo was sentenced to 21 years, while Fajardo received a 14-year sentence. This case highlights the complex nature of international drug trafficking and the determined efforts of law enforcement to dismantle these dangerous networks. 25 October 2024

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Sinaloa Cartel Faces Major Setback as Authorities Seize Millions in Meth

Drug Cartels

A coordinated law enforcement operation has dealt a significant blow to the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations. Authorities have arrested 25 suspected members of a drug-trafficking network linked to the cartel and seized millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. The operation, led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), targeted a network operating out of the Imperial Valley and Mexicali, Mexico. The group is allegedly connected to “Los Rusos,” a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel loyal to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. Over 140 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers participated in the operation, executing 15 search warrants across California, Arizona, and Nevada. The seized drugs, including over 8,000 pounds of methamphetamine, have an estimated street value of approximately $72 million. The arrests and seizures highlight the ongoing battle against the Sinaloa Cartel, which has been plagued by internal conflict between “Los Chapitos,” the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and “Los Rusos.” Both factions are vying for control of drug trafficking routes and profits. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath emphasized the devastating impact of these drugs on communities: “This investigation represents another blow to traffickers of deadly drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine. We are committed to dismantling these dangerous operations and ensuring that those who fuel the crisis are held accountable.” Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego, praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies: “By working together, we can disrupt and dismantle these transnational networks that plague our communities and tear families apart.” The operation underscores the ongoing challenge of combating the Sinaloa Cartel’s influence and its ability to smuggle drugs into the U.S. 11 November 2024

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$2 billion cocaine bust in Spain and most of the packs were labelled as Fiji

Cocaine

Spain has seized 13 tonnes of cocaine worth almost FJD$2 billion in the biggest drug raid in its history, and most of the packs were labelled as Fiji. Sky News reports that Spanish Police found 13 tonnes of the class A drug hidden behind bananas in a cargo container that sailed from Ecuador. Spanish authorities have shared dramatic footage of a raid on a property linked to the seizing of the cocaine, in what they described as the biggest anti-narcotics operation in the country’s history. Officials found bricks of drugs hidden in a shipment of bananas in a container from Ecuador at the port of Algeciras in southern Spain. The cargo container had sailed from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Officers can also be seen trying to break a safety box before a woman is detained at what appears to be a separate location. The final shots show police officers loading the drugs, appearing in the form of green bricks, on vans. The operation, in collaboration with the Ecuadorian police, resulted in five raids and one arrest. The Ecuadorian export company was on police and customs records for a history of “illicit trafficking,” according to the police. Police are looking for two of its managers. To date, the largest drug seizures in Spain was 9.4 tonnes in 2023, and another 8.7 tonnes five years earlier. Ecuador intercepted a total of 204 tonnes of drugs between January and September this year, almost the annual average for the past three years, government figures show. 12 November 2024 FijiVillage News

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UK Police Bust Fishing Boat With 400 Kilos of Cocaine off Kent

Cocaine

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has arrested four men after finding about 400 kilos of cocaine aboard their boat off the coast of Kent, England. UK Border Force officers intercepted the fishing vessel on Sunday morning and discovered the drugs. The three men on board the boat, aged 64, 45 and 25, were arrested for allegedly importing narcotics. They were transferred to police custody for questioning by the NCA, and a fourth man allegedly connected to the smuggling attempt was arrested in East London. “This amount of cocaine will represent a significant loss for the organized crime group that attempted to import it into the UK,” said NCA Operations Manager Jules Harriman. “With our partners at Border Force and the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC), we have successfully removed this harmful drug consignment from the criminal marketplace.” Most of the UK’s major cocaine busts happen at container terminals, where customs officials occasionally find multi-tonne consignments disguised as shipments of fruit or consumer goods. Small-craft shipments are occasionally intercepted on cross-Channel routes, like a bust off Sussex in 2021, which netted three convictions. According to the NCA, an Albanian organized crime group – the Mafia Shqiptare – is the dominant player in the UK’s illicit cocaine trade, organizing the complex logistics and money-laundering needed to bring vast quantities of the drug across borders. Unlike other importers, the Albanians are said to be vertically integrated: they have supply contacts at the source in South America, allowing them to import at wholesale prices, then pass the savings on to the consumer through street-level sales. They are believed to have a close working relationship with the ‘Ndrangheta, the Italian mafia group that dominates the Euro-area cocaine trade. 10 November 2024 The Maritime Executive

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Second person charged in Sydney over $92 million Meth importation

Methamphetamine

A second person has been charged in connection with a $92 million methamphetamine importation uncovered in Sydney. Authorities intercepted the massive haul, which was smuggled into the country under the guise of legitimate cargo. Investigators believe the accused played a key role in the trafficking operation, working alongside an international drug syndicate. This latest arrest underscores law enforcement’s relentless pursuit of those involved in large-scale drug smuggling. As methamphetamine remains a major threat in Australia, authorities continue targeting the supply chains fueling its distribution, ensuring those responsible for flooding the streets with illicit substances face justice.

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