Methamphetamine

Turkey seizes nine tons of methamphetamine in two weeks

Methamphetamine

Turkish officials have seized nearly nine tons of methamphetamine, half of it at the Iranian border, in the last two weeks, the interior minister said on Thursday. Ali Yerlikaya said 4.16 tons of methamphetamine were seized during this period, including 3.5 tons in Istanbul and the rest in other cities including Izmir in the west and Hakkari near the border with Iran and Iraq. More than 4.5 tons had been found at the beginning of November in three trucks crossing into Turkey from Iran, according to Turkish customs. Turkish police confiscated nearly 22 tons of methamphetamine last year, a sharp increase over previous years, according to official figures. Methamphetamine is a stimulant whose effects are two to five times more intense and long-lasting than amphetamine, with greater addictive potential, experts say. This synthetic drug, popular in Turkey, is sold in Europe or North America in the form of crystals, powder, capsules or tablets. The European Union Drugs Agency says the increase in methamphetamine seizures in Turkey could be explained by a rise in production in Iran and Afghanistan, where its trade has intensified since the Taliban imposed a ban in 2022 on the cultivation of opium poppies, used to manufacture heroin. 14 November 2024

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$31M of meth concealed in shipment of peppers seized at Texas-Mexico border

Methamphetamine

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered over $31 million worth of methamphetamine hidden within a shipment of serrano peppers at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas on Sunday, November 10. During a routine inspection, officers found more than 1,800 packages of meth, weighing approximately 2,155 pounds, concealed alongside the peppers in a tractor-trailer originating from Mexico. In a statement following the seizure, Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director for Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, commented on the successful interception. “Our CBP officers continue to remain vigilant and intercepted this massive methamphetamine load, preventing it from reaching American streets,” he said. The meth’s total estimated street value is $31,169,000, according to the CBP news release. The discovery came during a physical examination of the vehicle and shipment, revealing bundles of the illegal substance hidden within the produce. Officers immediately seized both the narcotics and the vehicle, with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents launching a criminal investigation. The incident highlights CBP’s ongoing efforts to monitor the U.S.-Mexico border for drug trafficking attempts. The Pharr International Bridge, a major port of entry, continues to be a key checkpoint in combating the illegal drug trade. Authorities report that interceptions like these are critical to preventing large amounts of methamphetamine from entering U.S. communities. This seizure adds to a series of recent high-value interceptions at the Texas-Mexico border, underscoring the vigilance of CBP officers in counteracting smuggling operations. 13 November 2024

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‘Shrouded in mystery’: AFP officer caught with 200 grams of meth avoids jail

Methamphetamine

An Australian Federal Police officer caught with 200 grams of methamphetamine has avoided jail, sparking widespread controversy. The case, shrouded in secrecy, has raised serious questions about law enforcement integrity and judicial discretion. Despite the significant quantity of drugs involved, legal proceedings resulted in an outcome that left many questioning how such a case could unfold without a harsher penalty. As authorities remain tight-lipped, speculation grows over potential undisclosed factors influencing the case. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about internal corruption and accountability within law enforcement, fueling debates on how the justice system handles drug-related offenses involving officers.

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Police seize 10 tonnes of methylamphetamine chemicals from Wimmera property

Methamphetamine

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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$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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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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Sydney man jailed for 233kg methamphetamine import from China

Methamphetamine

A Sydney man has been jailed for his role in a 233-kilogram methamphetamine importation from China, a massive drug haul valued at millions. Authorities uncovered the illicit shipment, concealed within legitimate cargo, as part of a targeted investigation into international trafficking networks. The successful prosecution highlights law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to dismantle large-scale drug syndicates operating across borders. Methamphetamine remains one of Australia’s most trafficked narcotics, fueling addiction and crime. This case serves as a stark warning to those involved in smuggling operations, as authorities continue to crack down on the importation of dangerous illicit substances.

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