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

An Italian national is expected to appear before Downing Centre District Court today (22 November, 2024) charged with allegedly importing 15kg of methamphetamine into Australia concealed in his luggage. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly detected the illicit drugs yesterday (20 November, 2024) after selecting the man, 18, for a baggage examination when he arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from Europe. They allegedly found packages of a white substance hidden in three large black plastic packages in the man’s suitcase. Initial testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine. The AFP arrested and charged the man with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. This amount of methamphetamine could have been sold as almost 150,000 street deals with an estimated value of $13 million. AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP and its partners were committed to stamping out criminality in the airport environment, including by transnational drug syndicates. “Despite all the risks involved, we are still regularly arresting people who have attempted to bring illicit drugs into our country through our airports,” he said. “No matter how elaborate or creative the attempts are, the AFP and our partners are working tirelessly to prevent airports being used as part of the criminal supply chain.” ABF Superintendent Elke West said every day, officers were observing passengers’ behavior as they transited through airport terminals, looking out for any indicators that might raise suspicions and warrant further inspection. “ABF officers rely on their intuition and monitoring of passenger behaviours, as well as intelligence and liaison with partner agencies, to detect criminality at the border,” Superintendent West said. “Stopping any quantity of illicit drugs flooding into the market is a win for our officers, protects the community and removes the substance from causing any future harm.” 22 November 2024 AFP

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

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.