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

The AFP has charged a second person for their alleged role in a transnational drug trafficking plot to import 100kg of methamphetamine into Australia, worth an estimated $92 million. The Riverwood man, 31, appeared before Downing Centre Local Court yesterday (6 November, 2024) where he was formally refused bail. An AFP investigation, codenamed Operation Eumundi, began in October 2024 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected about 100kg of methamphetamine concealed within computer towers. The ABF alerted the AFP, with officers removing the illicit drugs before the consignment was released to a storage unit in Kingsgrove, NSW. A Malaysian national, 45, was arrested and charged last week after he allegedly took possession of the electronic goods . AFP officers executed additional search warrants at Burwood, Riverwood and West Gosford as part of Operation Eumundi on 5 November, 2024. During a search warrant at the man’s Riverwood home, officers seized about 20 mature cannabis plants, a small amount of a white crystalline substance, and two mobile phones. One mobile phone allegedly contained conversations relating to the Kingsgrove storage unit and images of suspected methamphetamine and cannabis. The man was subsequently arrested and charged with: One count of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine contrary to subsection 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and One count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine contrary to subsection 307.5(1) by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for both offences is life imprisonment. The Riverwood man is expected to next appear in court on 8 January, 2025. AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said criminals were motivated by greed and would go to any lengths to import harmful drugs into Australia. “Methamphetamine, like all illicit drugs, causes psychological, financial and social harm to users, their loved ones, and the broader community,” Det-A/Supt Millen said. “This amount of methamphetamine could have been sold as about one million street level deals. “The AFP and partners are committed to protecting the community from the scourge of drugs and to targeting individuals who seek to profit from the illicit trade.” Inquiries as part of Operation Eumundi are ongoing. 7 November 2024 Source: AFP

A Sydney man has been sentenced to eight years’ and three months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of five years and nine months’, for importing 233kg of methamphetamine hidden in construction equipment.  The man, 37, was sentenced by the Downing Centre District Court today (8 November, 2024) after being found guilty by a jury in April, 2024. The AFP launched Operation Cobberas in March 2022 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers inspected 10 boxes containing structural supports, which had been exported from China. Further examination of the structural supports revealed a white powdered substance secreted inside. Presumptive testing indicated the presence of methamphetamine, and the matter was referred to the AFP. AFP investigators seized the consignment and deconstructed the structural supports, locating 233kg of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $70 million. Following a two-month investigation, the AFP executed a search warrant at the man’s Auburn home in June, 2022 where he was arrested and charged. The man was found guilty by a jury in April, 2024 of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). He was sentenced today (8 November, 2024), to eight years’ and three months’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of five years’ and nine months’. AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said methamphetamine was an extremely addictive illicit drug that caused widespread harm. “Criminals have little regard for how these drugs impact people, their families, and the community around them,” Det-Supt Fogarty said. “This investigation highlights the importance of the collaboration between the AFP and our law enforcement partners to disrupt attempts by organised crime to import illicit drugs. “Australia remains an attractive market for criminals seeking to import drugs, but the AFP is relentless in dismantling the syndicates behind the importations, wherever in the world they may be.” ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said criminal groups were constantly looking to exploit and profit from the Australian market, however Border Force officers were constantly on watch. “As the intelligence sharing capabilities between our federal partners continues to evolve and develop, ABF officers continue to develop their interception skills and knowledge – ensuring we are disrupting these criminal actors in their tracks,” Supt Leighton said. 8 November 2024 Source: AFP