This was an opportunity to catch the syndicate, the group of people that were capable of receiving it, landing it and then distributing it across Australia. In a cunning plan to trap them, police substituted the cargo for fake cocaine using identical packaging. Four men from Sydney are sentenced to decades in jail for their roles in a "sophisticated" drug importation that saw 1.2 tonnes of methamphetamine with an estimated worth of up to $1.1 billion . On 30 December, tactical response officers arrested three men onboard Cool Runnings, with approximately 1.2 tonnes of the fake cocaine. Then on 13 January police stopped a vehicle on the Great Eastern Highway near Coolgardie, more than 550km east of Perth, and found more than $2m in cash. Police seize firearms, vehicles and drugs in Operation Ironside. Deputy Commissioner Tony Longhorn said: "It's a confidence booster every time we do these operations we're testing the limitations of our capabilities.". It was at this point, under the cover of darkness, that the TRG officers struck. It is alleged that members of the syndicate then used two boats - Catalina and Cool Runnings - to make several attempts to find and retrieve the cargo. Mr Blanch said almost two weeks after the arrests at Hillarys Boat Harbour, police received information from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission that led to a search of a car on Great Eastern Highway near Coolgardie. Live drug news coverage of developments with the latest updates. BUSTED! Then the Catalina sank. queensland 12:17pm Apr 29, 2023 120kg of cocaine found inside shipping container by ABF AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), abc.net.au/news/wa-police-seize-33kg-of-meth-in-border-drug-bust/100079626, Get breaking news alerts directly to your phone with our app, Reserve Bank hikes cash rate to 3.85 per cent as Qantas announces Alan Joyce's successor, Borrowers shocked as RBA announces interest rate rise, Businesses to be forced to pay superannuation on payday, meaning more retirement income for workers, Cat costumes, transformations, lots of black and white: Here are the moments from the Met Gala, Doja Cat, Margot Robbie and Nicole Kidman attend Met Gala for fashion's biggest night, Recreational vaping is set to be outlawed here's why and the effect vaping can have on your body, Health minister launches war on vaping, Medicare reforms. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. In 2008, police busted $8 million worth of drugs in a light plane flying to Jandakot Airport from NSW, kick-starting the largest police operation in history. It is the second significant drug bust by the Caulfield DRU in just three days. It was mostly unknown clients like the one bound for Jandakot who had booked the trips. To improve your experience, The population of 'world's most criticised prison' just doubled. Those aboard Cool Runnings allegedly found what they thought was the cocaine before they ran into mechanical difficulties, with the vessel eventually beaching itself south of Moore River. Western Australias new police commissioner has used his first press conference to provide details about an alleged organised-crime drugs sting, which included the seizure of cars and gold bullion. The operation sends a message to international drug traffickers: Your deadly drugs are not welcome here and we will work closely and innovatively with our on-shore and off-shore law enforcement partners to dismantle your operations.. WIN a share of $75,000 in cash prizes with the worlds richest short story competition. Six men will be charged over the importation of nearly $50 million of cocaine supplied by a Mexican drug cartel. WA Police Minister Paul Papalia said the methamphetamine was the equivalent of 330,000 "hits". It wasnt an unusual occurrence. This latest drugs interception is one of many attempts by smugglers to bring illegal substances into the country via the WA coast. 'Life will never be the same': MasterChef stars post tributes to Jock, Fatal flaw in escape from infamous island prison, Push to extend 'really popular' $100 voucher for NSW parents, Man denied bail after allegedly stealing Nick Kyrgios' Tesla, holding mum at gunpoint. Midland Detectives are investigating an attempted aggravated armed robbery that occurred on Sunday 23 April 2023, in Beechboro. "I will say that this is the first time we've done anything of this scale," Blanch said. Teen loses appeal against sentence for hit-and-run killing of Queensland couple and their unborn baby, Endurance swimmer known as 'King of the Channel' dies during triathlon, German zoo welcomes first polar bear cub in 21 years, Natascha Lechner died minutes after using frog poison in 'Kambo' vomiting ritual, inquest told, Households tally rising grocery bills as interest rates climb again, Police officer in hospital after being hit by garbage truck in Launceston, Sick 4yo boy left without pillow at Adelaide's Women's and Children's Hospital, opposition says, ACT cycling group suggests lowering speed limit to 30kph in Canberra's suburbs. Blanch said this was an extraordinary job by the people involved but said it was not over. Pic: Western Australia Police, Money seized from a vehicle on the Great Eastern highway. Emily Moulton and Shannon Hampton Operation Beech How alleged Mexican cartel-linked syndicate came unstuck He said the estimated cost of the drugs entering the West Australian community would have been $22.65 million through crime, increased healthcare and justice costs, and loss of productivity. In the latest move, nine people have been arrested in relation to two separate drug operations targeting alleged organised crime networks in Perth. Officers searched the delivery and discovered a 'crystal-like substance' stuffed inside the pillows. The gear would then be cooked or cut if needed and distributed across the country using light planes like Santos', all while the Comancheros ensured the drugs and the syndicate's main actors would be protected as the enterprise's de-facto security arm. Three men - aged 31, 32 and 35 - have been charged with importing the drugs and faced Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday. The successful operation led to 12 arrests. Credit: Unknown/WA Police In the latest move, nine people have been arrested in relation to two separate drug operations targeting alleged organised crime networks in Perth. These campaigns always reflect our most important policing priorities. DRUGS, firearms, stolen property and assets to the tune of more than $3 million have been seized by Kensington Detectives after police targeted a drug syndicate running from multiple Perth suburbs. Now, a man has purchased the same Aztec Piper which brought the drugs to WA.Credit: Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Cool Runnings is towed by offenders onboard another vessel Catalina . This operation has enabled us to draw out those members of the syndicate who were equipped and prepared to receive and distribute a significant amount of illicit drugs within the community, who may have otherwise gone undetected and waited for the next consignment, the WA police commissioner, Col Blanch, said on Saturday. Police watched from the air as the second boat towed the first back out to sea, before it too ran into trouble. Australian Federal Police have charged four men and seized 8kg of methamphetamine after busting an alleged Vietnamese drug trafficking syndicate in Perth. The next part of the footage shows officers speaking with two of the suspects before it switches to police airwing vision of the Catalina towing Cool Runnings away from the shore. Extraordinary footage of the biggest drug bust in Australian history which resulted in WA Police arresting a dozen people with alleged links to a Mexican drug cartel can be seen for the first time. It was a sweet deal for somebody living off the generosity of friends and family. As the plane finally stopped on the apron, the Lycoming O-540 engines idling away, he heard a knock on the door. Three men arrested for attempting to import almost $1million worth of meth. By Credit: 7NEWS/supplied They charged a 39-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman they say are connected to the syndicate. "I saw this aeroplane come up and I just bought it out of curiosity," Nevan Pavlinovic said. An officer who identified himself as Detective Roy Morrish was standing at the forefront of the unit, motioning officers to unzip the large sports bag Micalizzi had loaded onto the cargo hold 15 hours prior. WA Police have seized 33 kilograms of methamphetamine and 50,000 pillsallegedly found hidden under a bed in a motorhome after it entered the state. The man, who was home at the time, was charged with various counts of trafficking a drug of dependence, possess handgun, possess ammunition, possess prohibited weapon and possessing property being proceeds of a crime. Forensic specialists estimated there was about 99kg of meth inside the pillows, with a street value of at least $100 million. Hakan Ayik with a lingerie-clad companion.Credit: The goods were shipped from overseas to Australia's ports, where dodgy wharfies would turn a blind eye to the cargo for the right reward. It was the biggest drug bust in WA history and a day law enforcement officers would remember for years to come. The pair were arrested at the airport and ultimately charged with two counts of possession with intent to sell or supply, and sentenced to 15 years in jail. Officers from the Drug and Firearm Squad stopped the vehicle near Kellerberrin, in WA's Wheatbelt, at about7:30pm on Friday. DRUG BUST Tonight in 7 News at 6, a major police crackdown has seen massive drug busts across the country. AFP officers were monitoring a Noranda home on Monday . Peta Rasdien. 'Criminal syndicates are looking to exploit this demand and sell methamphetamine in WA to maximise their profits, they do not care about the immense harm that this drug causes,' Acting Assistant Commissioner Tanti said. A man is arrested by WA Police as part of a seizure of drugs being imported into Australia. Sign up here. A massive blaze erupted at an auction yard in Perth on Friday night, with dozens of cars going up in flames. Tue, 25 April 2023 3:52PM. The WA drug bust that changed Australian law enforcement forever. On Saturday, WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch revealed how local and international officers outwitted cartels who attempted to bring the countrys biggest-ever stash of drugs onshore via Perth beaches, replacing the cocaine with plaster of paris before swooping on the alleged smugglers. They rung in the new year behind bars charged withattempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported drugs, facing life in jail. The operation, which has been ongoing since November 2022, led to the arrest of 12 individuals. Extraordinary footage of the biggest drug bust in Australian history which resulted in WA Police arresting a dozen people with alleged links to a Mexican drug cartel off our beautiful but hostile coast has been released. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. He was then arrested by the Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime squad.. READ MORE COMMENTS FROM THE POLICE COMMISSIONER ON THE WEST AUSTRALIAN. , updated They paid for the fuel and he built up his hours. "Ah, we have an issue here," Detective Morrish said as he peeked inside the bag. "Joseph Micalizzi," he said, a large sports bag hanging from his shoulder. Mohammed Charif Oueida caught up in huge drug bust as WA police seize 33kg of methamphetamine at border, Keep up with the latest ASX and business news. But until now, its role in one of the biggest law enforcement operations in Australian history has remained a mystery. The men face a potential life sentence if convicted. Police said the 99kg ofmeth - estimated to be worth about $100million - could have been sold to a million people in individual street deals. Two people were arrested and charged with laundering money from proceeds of a major offence. The latest real-time news updates and headlines on drug. The body of MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo was found at 2am at a hotel in one of Melbournes most famous streets. A bankrupt and former nightclub bouncer from Bankstown well into his 30s, Santos had spent a few months before the bust flying passengers across the country in his Aztec in a bid to meet the minimum flying hours required to obtain a commercial pilot's licence. They are progressing through WAs courts. Arrests being made by WA Police as part of a $1 billion cocaine interception. Codenamed Operation Beech, the sophisticated police sting managed to fool the Australian leg of the cartel into believing their illegal cargo was safely on its way to Australia. The same group of detectives arrested two alleged drug traffickers on Wednesday, with nearly a million dollars and more than $360,000 in methylamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. March 4, 2023 9.59am Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The biggest drug bust in Australian history has been pulled off by WA Police after an undercover operation led to the seizure of 2.4 tonnes of cocaine worth about $1 billion dollars. Remote landing strips were and still are a hole in Australia's national security network, too isolated and remote to be monitored effectively. Please try again later. Two men have faced court after a traffic stop led to a large drug bust in Perth's north-east. Every year we run public campaigns to highlight different ways that people can keep safe, report crime or be challenged about their own behaviour. AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner John Tanti said the price of the illicit substance skyrocketed in WA due to border closures that restricted the supply. With his eyes glued to the yoke, dials and switches, Santos hadn't spotted the small army of uniformed officers. "That's $33 million worth of drugs that have been taken out of play," Mr Papalia said. It was given to the Australian Federal Police for testing, coming back as positive to meth. They also seized 16kg of ox blood methylamphetamine, 3kg of gold bullion, 300g of cocaine and more than $320,000 cash from multiple properties across the metropolitan area on Wednesday. Its bits and bobs are now scattered across his verandah and the tail and fuselage sit in a backyard in Perth's north, a dire reminder of the plane that once sat in the middle of Australia's own war on drugs and that changed law enforcement forever. Western Australian Police seized a small vessel on 28 December, with intelligence suggesting that alleged members of the syndicate were unaware and still expecting to receive the shipment. On December the 28th we observed nine men come into Western Australia, some were from WA, he said. During the course of this week, the Caulfield DRU has removed more than $380,000 of methylamphetamine, heroin and cocaine from Victorian streets, seized more than $1.1 million in allegedly ill-gotten cash, and arrested three people for trafficking., Our experienced and dedicated detectives are working together with other specialist and regional areas to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks, and most importantly, stop drugs from hitting Victorian streets.. Major drug busts across Perth have netted meth, cash and gold. Over the following days, police watched as two boats were used to bring the drugs to shore, where three men were arrested at Moore River and a further six at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Stay on top of latest drug news stories and find out what just happened, what is going on with drug. 26 Apr 2023 2:37 pm AEST. According to Santos, he was preparing his plane for take-off at Bankstown Airport in the early hours of March 4, 2008, when a car pulled up outside the airfield and a young man dressed in a white shirt and black pants, walked up to shake his hand. Unknown to the cartel, the drugs were switched out with identical fakes, made from plaster-of-paris. The Turkish-Australian holds dual citizenship, and despite being included in the NSW police most wanted persons list and having an Interpol arrest warrant against his name, Turkey does not extradite its citizens. WIN a share of $75,000 in cash prizes with the worlds richest short story competition. Micalizzi, who sat down at the back of the six seater, slept most of the time, Santos says, and spoke to him only to ask when they would arrive. after Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized a record 2.4 . An alleged plot to smuggle 99kg of meth into Australia came to a dramatic end when the getaway van crashed into police car. They get a one off payment, and theyre dispensable. RECAP: Heres what a year of hikes has done to repayments, Karate expert carrying injury before unsolved death, Scheming son jailed after conning $150k off his father, Kyrgios mum held at gunpoint, car stolen, Appeal rejected for teen who killed couple, unborn baby, Alleged accomplice to gangland murder to stay in jail. Theres only so much that will be gained by looking at the mules and the low-level individuals that are, I would say, a dime a dozen, he said. A covert police operation has foiled a billion dollars worth of cocaine entering Western Australia, with officers duping the alleged criminals into believing they had gotten away with the import. Police search an area of river in Caversham as part of Operation Kingston Destiny. Fatal crash - Durack Published on April 23, 2023 Officers from the Major Crash Investigations Unit are investigating an incident that occurred in Durack today, Sunday 23 April 2023. 02:58 EDT 05 Jan 2022. Police have revealed details of a covert international operation that stopped 2.4 tonnes of cocaine, worth $1 billion, from reaching Western Australia, in what is believed to be the nation's biggest-ever drug bust. Now, we did actually split those drugs up, even though they were seized from the United States, we reconstructed them using plaster of Paris. Sooner or later, they will receive a knock on the door from police and at this point, the realisation quickly dawns that they have made a decision that has ruined their life. Trusted enough to keep an eye on Santos and ensure the safe delivery of the drugs, Judge Stevenson would describe Micalizzi's role as "likely to have not only included some financial reward but some relationship-building with those he was associated with". The force said on Tuesday 52 charges were laid as part of the operation, and six guns and 3000 rounds of ammunition seized. Midland Detectives are investigating an attempted aggravated armed robbery that occurred on Sunday 23 April 2023, in Beechboro. Officers duped the alleged criminals into believing they had gotten away with the import, police say. Arrests being made at Hillarys Boat Harbour. The drugs had been seized, so the risk of 2.4 tonnes coming to our shores had been mitigated, he said. The nets are so heavy that at one point officers can be seen kicking them into the ocean, 80km off the WA coast on December 28, 2022. Arrests being made at Hillarys Boat Harbour.Credit: Police Media, Theres some good crooks in the mix and thats what we want.. It is alleged more than $2 million cash was found in the vehicle. Six men and one woman were charged following. Inert cocaine being dropped into the ocean by WA Police in a sting operation to target drug smugglers.Credit: Police Media, Weve all seen the movies, we know the reputation, and they just want to catch crooks.. Our detectives are working closely with their State and Commonwealth law enforcement and intelligence partners to track down the source of these drugs, with a clear intent of bringing those involved in the drug trafficking syndicates to face justice here in Western Australia.. Watch and listen to a variety of WA true crime series, video channels and podcasts with commentary on news, politics and current affairs. The Aztec landed at Jandakot Airport just before 4pm. Are you a deadset writing legend? Drug and firearm squad detectives executed a search warrant at a house on Fantail Crescent in Ellenbrook late on Thursday night. It was a 30-plus degree summer day and, although a cyclone was gravitating towards Western Australia's northern coast, not a gust of wind was blowing at the strip. Longhorn said it was imperative that police share intel with other agencies and create innovative ways of staying ahead of the syndicates. The enormous volume represents half of Australia's annual consumption of the drug, and has an estimated street value of $1 billion. Sign up for Guardian Australias free morning and afternoon, email newsletters for your daily news roundup. He had established his own flying company, Santos Aviation, in 2006 and bought his American-made Aztec a year later with a generous cash donation from a family friend. Among those arrested were the crew aboard the Catalina, who are also seen in the police footage. Footage of the precision raid shows officers gathering out the front of a nondescript apartment in Mordialloc. Fatal crash - Durack Published on April 23, 2023 Officers from the Major Crash Investigations Unit are investigating an incident that occurred in Durack today, Sunday 23 April 2023. Youve got young detectives sitting in Perth, Western Australia, and all of a sudden theyre doing a joint international operation with the DEA, he said. The footage shows officers carrying large box-shaped items covered in brown paper, as well as smaller paper bags. "I did say this as this was the defence I was running," he wrote in a letter from Acacia Prison. Sign up to Guardian Australia's Morning Mail, Our Australian morning briefing email breaks down the key national and international stories of the day and why they matter. "Turn the engine off and get out of the aircraft.". Pic: Western Australia Police, How laughing gas addiction 'messed up' man's life, Cocaine worth 35m found on small boat in Sussex, Nitrous oxide is being sold on the streets. Live drug updates. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said officers had been watching the fake drugs for two days using drones and officers on the ground when they spotted one vessel, the Catalina, trying to find the illegal cargo. The dozen alleged offenders already arrested come from the US, NSW and the Northern Territory. Police say the shipment was linked to a Mexican cartel and traffickers had no idea of the seizure, believing the drugs were still on their way to Australia. Every single day someone chooses to traffick drugs they are engaging in a dangerous game of roulette. Police said the rented motorhome was monitored by officers as itentered WA on Thursday, April15 after crossing the border at Eucla from Melbourne. "It must have been then," the now-49-year-old said. So you can see the benefit in the cartels and offshore syndicates in that they dont need to get a great deal through, so they flood our borders because its worthwhile to them.. Were working to restore it. As officers searched the black sports bag, they uncovered nearly $8 million worth of drugs. Police seized 6kg of methylamphetamine and more than $59,000 cash from a vehicle and properties in suburban Perth last Sunday. The meth was replaced with a harmless substance and repacked before the cargo was released to be collected and the sting was on. Shit happens.". Police charged a 39-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman who were allegedly connected to the syndicate, according to ABC. In the first part of the vision, WA officers who had replaced the drug with plaster of paris and made sure the packaging was identical can be seen dumping large nets containing 1.2 tonnes of the fake cocaine that were attached to orange buoys into the water. Operation Beech kicked off in November after Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized a record 2.4 tonnes of cocaine allegedly bound for Australia off the South American coast. A tactical police officer guards a . We say we go after those who supply these drugs who organise these drugs to be distributed through our entire community, not just Western Australia, he said. The pills seized, which weighed 25kg,are yet to be tested. Arrests such as these should serve as a stark reminder of the life changing repercussions associated with drug dealing, Caulfield Divisional Response Unit (DRU) Acting Detective Sergeant Wes Yarnton said. Get the news you want delivered straight to your inbox so you never miss a headline. Weve got a newsletter for everyone. Olivia Day For Daily Mail Australia, TikToker who faked knowing NSW's daily cases and was hospitalised with Covid flies to the US and slams Australia - as he reveals what the average Texan REALLY thinks of things Down Under - but Aussies are not impressed, Supermarket shelves could remain bare for WEEKS - as Coles boss explains the real reason behind the nationwide supply shortage, 'We're not your enemies!' I say that its a magnificent effort to defend our shores, to defend our country from the threat of organised crime, Blanch said. A 62-year-old man was arrested and charged over the stash. A handcuffed Santos assists police searching the plane at Jandakot Airport. Another man, already in jail on drug charges, will be issued with a court attendance notice. Drugs News: Latest & Breaking Drugs Headlines and Today's News Updates from Australia | 7NEWS Drugs Heartbreaking last photo of teen who died from TikTok challenge By Stephanie Duprey / World News Teen could face death penalty after discovery in luggage at Bali airport By Matheus Meirelles / Drugs
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