infodrug@fanclub.pm, Author at Drug Busts Worldwide

Cross-Border Drug Syndicate Dismantled by NSW and WA Police

Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged two men following a joint investigation into the alleged cross-border drug activities of a Sydney based criminal syndicate under Strike Force Buckwong. Strike Force Buckwong was established in December 2023 by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad with Western Australia (WA) Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission. During the investigation, it was established the syndicate was involved in transporting large amounts of prohibited drugs from NSW to WA and laundering the proceeds of the drug transactions. NSW Police Force have previously seized $1.3 million in cash and charged five men who remain before the courts. About 10.15am on Wednesday 13 November 2024, strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – stopped a car in Condell Park. During a search of the car, police located and seized $60,000 in cash, a DECCD and a small clear re-sealable bag containing approximately one gram of white powder, suspected to be cocaine. The driver of the car – a 29-year-old man – was arrested and taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with Deal with property proceeds of crime < $100000 & > $5000, possess DECCD to commit etc serious criminal activity, possess prohibited drug, and participate in a criminal group. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 4 December 2024. Police will allege in court this man was sent to collect money on behalf of the leader of the group. A short time later, strike force detectives – with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit – arrested a 38-year-old man in Prairiewood. The man was allegedly in possession of $53,500 in cash, and two DECCDs. Police had previously seized 6kgs of methylamphetamine believed to be linked to the man. He was taken to Fairfield Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. The man was refused bail and appeared in Fairfield Local Court today (Thursday 14 November 2024). Police will allege this man was the coordinator of the criminal syndicate. Simultaneously, WA Police Force’s Drug and Firearm Squad executed seven search warrants across regional and metro WA and arrested three men and three women. During the warrants more than 10 kilograms of methylamphetamine, approximately $620,000 in cash and two firearms were seized. Additionally, a number of cryptocurrency wallets identified as being used to launder proceeds from drug sales have been frozen. The three men and three women have all been charged with serious drug, firearm and money laundering offences in Western Australia. Through various lines of inquiry into cross-border drug operations, WA Police have arrested 54 people in total, seized more than $9 million in cash, 52 kilograms of prohibited drugs and 14 firearms. Significant intelligence has been gathered during the investigation and further arrests and charges are expected. Commander of NSW Police State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux said often the movement of drugs is a borderless crime that requires collaboration across jurisdiction. “The successful interdiction of this cross-border drug operation is a testament to the seamless cooperation and coordination between our state police forces,” Det Supt Faux said. “Working hand-in-hand with our counterparts in neighbouring states, we have demonstrated that no border can shield criminal activity from the long arm of the law.” WA Police serious and Organised Crime Division, Acting Detective Superintendent Jeff Beros, said targeting the movement of illicit drugs and cash across our state borders remains a priority for WA Police. “The arrest of these six individuals and the head operator of this network has resulted in a significant disruption to a major crime group causing harm to our community,” A/Det Superintendent Beros said. “We will continue to work closely with NSW Police and our other partners to bring anyone operating a criminal drug and organised crime network to justice.” 25 November 2024 Source: National Tribune

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The Rising Threat of Nitazenes in Canada’s Toxic Drug Supply

Fentanyl

Canada’s drug supply crisis is escalating with the emergence of nitazenes, a new and highly dangerous synthetic opioid often referred to as “fentanyl’s deadly cousin.” This substance is intensifying the risks in an already hazardous drug market, posing a severe threat to public health and leaving experts scrambling to address its devastating effects. Nitazenes were originally developed for research purposes in the mid-20th century but were never approved for medical use. Their potency, which surpasses that of both morphine and fentanyl, has made them a particularly dangerous addition to the illicit drug trade. Variants such as isotonitazene and metonitazene are frequently mixed with other substances, increasing the likelihood of accidental overdoses. Although the presence of nitazenes in Canada is relatively recent, their influence is growing rapidly. Health authorities across the country have reported an increase in overdose deaths linked to nitazenes. A significant concern is that individuals consuming drugs laced with nitazenes are often unaware of their presence. Nitazenes are commonly sold as or combined with fentanyl, heroin, or counterfeit pills, making their detection and management challenging. The unpredictability of street drugs containing nitazenes has heightened public health concerns. These substances can cause severe respiratory depression, often requiring more naloxone—an opioid overdose reversal drug—than standard doses can provide. This complicates emergency responses and places an additional burden on healthcare systems. The combination of nitazenes and fentanyl is particularly deadly. Fentanyl, already a primary driver of Canada’s opioid crisis, is now more dangerous when laced with nitazenes. This lethal mix increases the potency and unpredictability of street drugs, significantly raising the risk of fatal overdoses. The combination amplifies the challenges faced by public health officials and harm reduction programs, further straining already overstretched resources. The emergence of nitazenes in Canada is closely tied to global drug trafficking trends. These substances are synthesized in clandestine laboratories and trafficked internationally. Their extreme potency allows traffickers to transport smaller quantities, reducing detection risks while maximizing profits. A lack of regulation and monitoring has facilitated their rapid entry into illicit drug markets, complicating efforts to combat their spread. The rise of nitazenes underscores the complex and evolving nature of Canada’s opioid crisis. Public health officials are working to identify and track nitazenes, while adapting harm reduction strategies to address this new threat. However, several challenges have emerged. Standard naloxone kits may not be as effective against nitazene overdoses, often requiring higher or repeated doses. This places additional pressure on emergency responders and community organizations. The surge in overdose deaths linked to nitazenes and fentanyl has further strained healthcare systems, highlighting the urgent need for robust public health interventions. To address the crisis, a comprehensive approach is required. Enhancing drug monitoring capabilities to detect nitazenes in real time is critical. Increasing access to supervised consumption sites, where medical professionals can oversee drug use, could save lives and provide safer environments for individuals who use drugs. Public awareness campaigns are essential for informing communities about the dangers of nitazenes and educating them on how to respond to overdoses. Drug policy reforms that address the root causes of the toxic drug supply, along with efforts to reduce stigma around drug use, are also key to mitigating the crisis. On a global level, stronger international collaborations are needed to disrupt the production and trafficking of synthetic opioids like nitazenes. Canada’s opioid crisis is entering a new and dangerous phase with the rise of nitazenes. The substance’s potency, combined with its frequent presence alongside fentanyl, has created a critical public health challenge. Swift and decisive action is needed to mitigate its impact. By improving harm reduction measures, strengthening drug monitoring systems, and raising public awareness, Canada can begin to address the devastating effects of nitazenes and work toward saving lives. 24 November 2024

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Police seize $80 million in cannabis and arrest 19 people in NSW

Marijuana

NSW Police say a transnational organised crime network operating throughout Sydney’s south-west and the Illawarra has been “successfully disrupted” after an 11-month operation. The operation began in December 2023 and led to the arrest of 19 people and the seizure of more than $80 million worth of cannabis. State Crime Command Drug and Firearm Squad director Detective Superintendent John Watson revealed details about Strike Force Heradale in Parramatta today. They were bringing in talent from overseas, Vietnam … with the sole purpose [to] cultivate cannabis but, more importantly, for profit. “This has been a huge strike for law enforcement.” Police said the investigation targeted the large-scale cultivation of cannabis by a criminal syndicate that had established multiple sophisticated hydroponic farms. The syndicate was allegedly responsible for the production, packaging and distribution of cannabis on an industrial scale. The first arrests happened in April this year, after police executed a search warrant at a property in Kemps Creek in Western Sydney, where they discovered over 4,400 cannabis plants in 16 purpose-built greenhouses. Three people were arrested at the scene. In May, police raided a property at Calderwood in Shellharbour, where 366 kilograms of harvested cannabis were seized. Ten people, including six men and four women, were arrested. A raid on another property at Bringelly in Greater Western Sydney in June uncovered 6,500 cannabis plants. While no arrests were made at the time, officers returned to the same property in October. Police alleged the syndicate had re-established the cultivation of cannabis, and 7,472 plants with a street value of $22 million were seized. One man was arrested while allegedly tending to the plants. During another raid at a property in Rossmore in Western Sydney in September, police seized 4,000 plants and arrested three men. Detective Superintendent Watson said a key breakthrough occurred in November when two men, alleged to be the main organisers of the syndicate, were arrested at a property in Canley Vale. “At the time there was more than 220 kilos of cannabis head being packaged and more than $240,000 cash seized,” he said. Both men were arrested and charged with a number of offences relating to the supply and cultivation of large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and knowingly directing and participating in a criminal group, and were refused bail at Fairfield Local Court. “In total, 19 arrests, more than 23,000 cannabis plants, more than half a tonne of cannabis itself, 586 kilos has been seized, as a result of this operation,” Detective Superintendent Watson said. He said it was large-scale industrial operation. “What we saw with this particular syndicate … was a preparedness to run multiple sites at the one time and move their workforce throughout. “There is no question in our mind that we had everyone that is actively in New South Wales — but the investigation continues we continue … this investigation is by no means over.” 21 November 2024 Source: ABC News

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Cocaine bust exposes multi-layered ruthless criminal organisation

Cocaine

From Guayaquil to Birżebbuġa: Cocaine bust starts to unravel complex criminal web involving hauliers, a car dealer, port security and a ruthless hidden hand

Three men charged with drug trafficking following a cocaine bust at Malta Freeport are on the lower rungs of a multi-layered criminal organisation, MaltaToday has learnt.

The men are linked to a cocaine shipment from Guayaquil in Ecuador to Malta that was intercepted by law enforcement agents at the Birżebbuġa port on 12 November.

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CBP Officers Seize $1.1M Worth of Methamphetamine in Brownsville

Methamphetamine

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry seized over $1.1 million worth of suspected methamphetamine on November 19, 2024. The drugs were discovered during a secondary inspection of a vehicle driven by a 21-year-old U.S. citizen at the Gateway International Bridge. Using a canine unit and advanced technology, officers found 43 packages containing 124.29 pounds of meth. The driver was arrested, and a criminal investigation by Homeland Security Investigations is underway, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to border security.

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77-Year-Old NSW Man Charged with Alleged Methamphetamine Importation in WA

Methamphetamine

A 77-year-old NSW man has been charged over an alleged methamphetamine importation in Western Australia, highlighting the involvement of older individuals in high-stakes drug trafficking. Authorities intercepted the illicit shipment as part of a targeted operation aimed at disrupting organized crime networks. Investigators believe the accused played a role in facilitating the smuggling attempt, which involved concealing the drugs within commercial cargo. This case underscores the far-reaching impact of the meth trade and law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to combat drug syndicates operating across Australia. Authorities continue their investigation to uncover further links in the trafficking network.

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Man Charged, Over one tonne of 1,4-Butanediol seized

Methamphetamine

Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad have charged a man and seized over one tonne of 1,4-Butanediol, steroids and prescription medication, steroid manufacturing equipment and a dismantled clandestine laboratory as part of an investigation into the manufacture and trafficking of methylamphetamine. Four search warrants were executed on Wednesday (20 November) at a factory in Moorabbin, two storage sheds in Springvale and a factory in Clayton. 370kg of 1,4-Butanediol and large quantities of steroids and prescription medication were seized from the storage facility. Approximately 730kg of 1-4-Butanediol, 20 litres of tartaric acid (used in the purification of methylamphetamines) and a large sophisticated packed up clandestine laboratory were seized from the Clayton address. A 36-year-old Mordialloc man was intercepted by police around 3.30pm yesterday (Thursday, 21 November). A search of his car located 10kg of as yet unidentified powder and stolen registration plates. A further two search warrants were executed at a residential address in Mordialloc and a business premises in Highett. Additional steroids and clandestine laboratory equipment were seized from the Mordialloc property. The man was subsequently charged with traffick large commercial quantity 1,4-Butanediol, possess substance, material document/equipment for trafficking, possess a prescribed pre-cursor (sodium borohydride, methylamphetmine hydrochloride and iodine). He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 13 January. The total quantity of 1-4-Butanediol seized is equivalent to 100,000 potentially lethal doses of the drug. When ingested, 1,4-Butanediol is metabolised similarly to GHB, but it is an industrial solvent and used in the manufacture of various plastics and polymers. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information on illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Mark Newlan, Clandestine Laboratory Squad: “While there are legitimate uses for 1,4-Butanediol as an industrial solvent – or cleaning product – it is an incredibly dangerous product to consume which can have fatal consequences. “Criminal syndicates care only for the profits this dangerous substance can make them – substituting it for GHB given the cheaper price. Overwhelmingly what users believe is GHB is 1,4-Butanediol. “The drug can be unpredictable and the difference between survival and a fatal overdose can be very small. There is absolutely no safe amount to ingest — that’s why we’re committed to removing it from unintended hands.” 22 November 2024 Source: Victoria Police

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Inside “Lord Of Drugs” Haji Salim’s Global Narcotics Network

Organized Crime

Haji Salim, often referred to as the “Lord of Drugs,” is a name synonymous with global narcotics trafficking. Operating primarily from Pakistan, Salim heads a sprawling criminal network that smuggles substantial quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and other illicit substances into India and other regions. His activities have placed him at the center of India’s anti-drug efforts, particularly through the ambitious Operation Sagar Manthan. Salim’s criminal empire first came to light in 2015 when authorities linked him to a major drug seizure in Kerala. Over the years, his name has surfaced repeatedly in connection with significant narcotics busts, solidifying his reputation as a drug kingpin. His close association with fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim and alleged ties to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) provide him with a layer of protection that has allowed his operations to flourish. Based in Balochistan, Salim’s strategic location offers access to key sea routes, making it an ideal base for trafficking. In response to the escalating threat posed by Salim’s operations, the Indian government launched Operation Sagar Manthan, a collaborative initiative involving the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Gujarat Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The operation focuses on intercepting maritime drug shipments, a method Salim has perfected over the years. So far, the operation has resulted in the seizure of more than 3,400 kilograms of narcotics and the arrest of multiple suspects, including nationals from Iran and Pakistan. These achievements underscore the operation’s effectiveness in disrupting Salim’s supply chains. Salim’s syndicate employs a range of sophisticated tactics to evade detection. His consignments are often marked with coded labels like “777,” “555,” and “flying horse.” Drugs are typically transported via sea routes, starting from Iran and passing through countries such as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia before reaching Indian shores in states like Gujarat and Kerala. This well-oiled trafficking network accounts for an estimated 70% of the narcotics smuggled across India’s seas. The global reach of Salim’s operations extends to regions like Mauritius, New Zealand, the United States, and Afghanistan. His recruitment strategy exploits unemployed youth from Balochistan, drawing them into the drug trade. The ISI’s alleged support bolsters his operations, making him a formidable adversary for law enforcement agencies. Despite his widespread influence, authorities have limited information about Salim’s personal life. An old photograph remains the only tangible evidence of his identity. The success of operations like Sagar Manthan demonstrates India’s commitment to combating drug trafficking. A recent breakthrough involved the interception of 700 kilograms of methamphetamine off the Gujarat coast. Acting on intelligence about an unregistered vessel, Indian authorities launched a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of eight Iranian nationals. Other operations have led to the capture of Pakistani nationals, further unraveling Salim’s extensive drug pipeline. Dismantling Salim’s network is fraught with challenges. The ISI’s support shields his activities, while his expertise in maritime trafficking complicates interception efforts. Limited intelligence about his personal life adds another layer of difficulty. Despite these obstacles, the NCB and international law enforcement agencies remain committed to breaking his empire. Enhanced intelligence-sharing, technological advancements in surveillance, and coordinated global efforts are crucial in this fight. Salim’s operations are a stark reminder of the far-reaching impact of organized crime on global security and public health. Efforts to dismantle his network represent more than a victory against one individual; they signify a broader commitment to combating the transnational drug trade. By targeting key figures like Salim, law enforcement agencies can disrupt the supply chains that fuel addiction and violence worldwide. 17 November 2024

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High-Ranking Mexican Cartel Leader Arrested on Charges of International Drug Trafficking

Drug Cartels

A federal court in the Central District of California unsealed a criminal complaint yesterday charging Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa — a high-ranking member of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and the son-in-law of the CJNG’s leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho — with international drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. Gutierrez-Ochoa was arrested in Riverside, California, on Nov. 19. “The Jalisco Cartel — one of the world’s most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations — is weaker today because of the tenacious efforts of law enforcement to track down and arrest a cartel leader who allegedly faked his own death and assumed a false identity to evade justice and live a life of luxury in California,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “As these charges allege, Gutierrez-Ochoa directed the trafficking of lethal narcotics, causing untold destruction in our communities. To those seeking to harm Americans and to profit from their pain, this arrest should serve as a reminder — we will find you and bring you to justice.” “Over the last decade, Cristian Gutierrez-Ochoa, a close associate of CJNG’s top leader, allegedly directed the importation of tons of methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States and engaged in violence to aid the cartel’s criminal activities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is committed to disrupting and dismantling Mexican drug trafficking organizations. Tuesday’s arrest sends a powerful message to cartel leadership: we will work tirelessly with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to hold them accountable.” “Defeating the two cartels responsible for the deadly drug crisis in the United States is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s top operational priority, and with the arrest of Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa, we are much closer,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “We allege that Gutierrez-Ochoa, a high-ranking member of the CJNG and the son-in-law of El Mencho, conspired to import thousands of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States on behalf of the Jalisco Cartel. The Jalisco Cartel is responsible for unprecedented violence in Mexico and helping to fuel the deadly drug crisis in the United States. The DEA is relentlessly committed to defeating the Jalisco Cartel, and we will exhaust every tool in the justice system to fight back, to save American lives, and to bring this cartel to justice.” According to court documents, Gutierrez-Ochoa, 37, is alleged to have started working for the CJNG, one of the most violent drug cartels in Mexico, in around 2014, and to have personally coordinated the transportation and distribution of approximately 40,000 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine in Mexico, all destined for the United States. Gutierrez-Ochoa allegedly furthered CJNG’s drug trafficking and money laundering activities through violence. In around November 2021, Gutierrez-Ochoa allegedly kidnapped two members of the Mexican Navy in an attempt to secure the release of El Mencho’s wife, who had been arrested by Mexican authorities. After being sought by Mexican authorities, Gutierrez-Ochoa allegedly fled into the United States, assumed a fictitious identity, and resided in a luxury residence in Riverside, California, purchased by CJNG’s money laundering operatives with drug trafficking proceeds. According to court documents, El Mencho may have assisted Gutierrez-Ochoa in his scheme to fake his own death by telling associates that El Mencho murdered Gutierrez-Ochoa for lying. This helped Gutierrez-Ochoa sneak into the United States to be with El Mencho’s daughter. The Justice Department returned a superseding indictment against El Mencho in April 2022, charging him with leading a continuing criminal enterprise to manufacture and distribute fentanyl for importation into the United States. The U.S. Department of State is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction. El Mencho remains a fugitive. Gutierrez-Ochoa is charged with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, knowing, intending, and having reasonable cause to believe that those controlled substances would be unlawfully imported into the United States. Gutierrez-Ochoa is also charged with conspiracy to launder CJNG’s drug trafficking proceeds. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison on the drug distribution conspiracy charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy charge. A federal district court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 21 November 2024 Source: Justice Dept

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INTERPOL-led coalition arrests 100 mafia suspects

Organized Crime

GLASGOW, United Kingdom: An international police coalition coordinated by INTERPOL has led to the arrest of more than 100 key ‘Ndrangheta members since the project’s launch in 2020. The 100th and 101st arrests occurred during a coordinated operation last month supported by INTERPOL in Germany and Italy. German authorities raided three houses, seizing a large cache of information, including cloud data. The police also found significant amounts of cash, luxury watches and jewelry. The Italian authorities acted in parallel, arresting two suspects, seizing multiple properties and vehicles, and freezing bank accounts. A Calabrian businessman with alleged links to two ‘Ndrangheta clans was arrested in Bologna while a second suspect was arrested the same day in the city of Formia. The operation took place within the framework of an investigation led by Italy’s Guardia di Finanza in Bologna. INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said: “The ‘Ndrangheta are a global scourge and demonstrate the unprecedented threat posed by transnational organized crime groups. Yet the success of the I-CAN project makes clear that even the most powerful mafias are not out of reach when law enforcement cooperates across borders.” Giampiero Ianni, Brigadier General of the Guardia di Finanza, said: “I-CAN’s 101 arrests show there is no escape for members of the ‘Ndrangheta. With the support of INTERPOL, we have been able to investigate this insidious organization, mapping its international development and working together with prosecutors to apprehend its fugitives.” The ‘Ndrangheta is often considered one of the most extensive and powerful criminal organizations in the world. Its roots are in the Italian region of Calabria but it has now expanded to more than 40 countries worldwide and continues to grow at a steady rate. The insidious spread of mafia-type crime poses an urgent threat to international peace and security, due to its penetration of political and economic environments and the widespread corruption associated with it. Funded by the Italian Department of Public Security, INTERPOL’s I-CAN project raises global awareness and understanding about the ‘Ndrangheta and their modus operandi, sharing police information to dismantle their networks and operations and arrest wanted suspects. 7 November 2024 Source: Interpol

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