30 April 2013

Drug busts across the region

| johnboy
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drug bust

Police have dismantled a number of drug supply chains in the state’s south, following the arrests of 14 people earlier today (Tuesday 30 April 2013).

The arrests were made by officers attached to Strike Force Delicate, which was formed by Monaro Local Area Command in August 2012 to investigate the supply of illicit drugs in Queanbeyan and surrounding areas.

About 8.30am this morning, police executed search warrants at 17 different properties – 10 in Queanbeyan, five in the ACT, one in Goulburn and one in Cooma.

To date, 14 people have been arrested and taken to Queanbeyan Police Station where they will be charged with a variety of drug supply offences.

Over the course of the nine month investigation conducted by Strike Force Delicate, police have seized illicit drugs – including cannabis, methylamphetamine and heroin – with a street value in excess of $420,000. Firearms, ammunition and other weapons have also been seized.

The Acting Commander of the NSW Police Force’s Southern Region, Acting Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar, said police were committed to getting drugs off the street.

“Whether it’s in a capital city, a major regional centre or a small country town, we are committed to arresting drug dealers and getting their illegal and dangerous products off our streets,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.

“I’d like to commend the excellent policing work of Strike Force Delicate. The determination, diligence and organisation displayed by the officers involved has been first class and the results, to date, have been excellent.”

The Acting Monaro Local Area Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Shane Box, said this morning’s arrests would be followed by more.

“We’re expecting to lock up more people in the coming days,” Detective Acting Superintendent Box said.

“Anyone who is involved or has been involved in drug supply in Queanbeyan, be warned – we are onto you.”

Detective Acting Superintendent Box added that the operations wouldn’t have been possible without the support of ACT Policing and other NSW Police Force Commands.

“Our colleagues over the border in the ACT, and our colleagues from other sections of the NSW Police Force, have played a critical role in this operation,” Detective Acting Superintendent Box said.

“I would like to thank them for their ongoing assistance and commitment. We look forward to working with them again on future operations targeting criminal activity in Queanbeyan, the ACT and nearby communities.”

Detective Superintendent Brett McCann from ACT Policing said his officers had executed five search warrants, and arrested a number of people, within the ACT.

“Four people have been taken into custody in the ACT today,” Detective Superintendent McCann said.

“We will allege these people have been involved in drug related criminal activity which is linked to activities in Queanbeyan.

“From the warrants in the ACT we have seized a quantity of cash and drugs, a .22 rifle and silencer, and ammunition. We are pleased with this result and in the outcome of this joint operation with NSW Police.”

Anyone with information about this incident should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

[Via ACT Policing. Image from ACT warrant seizures]

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buzz819 said :

dungfungus said :

LSWCHP said :

A silenced rifle hey? That’s a bad piece of kit to have around. Dealing dope is one thing, dealing while armed is another thing altogether and I really don’t like it. I hope they all get a nice stretch in the big house.

I don’t think silencers are illegal in Australia.

In the Firearms Act 1996 – Schedule 1 – Prohibited Firearms

11) a firearm to which there is attached any article or device capable of muffling,
reducing or stopping the noise created by firing the firearm

So under that act it appears that the suppressor might be legal but attaching it to the firearm makes it a prohibited firearm.

Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 – prohibits the import of one, unless you can get written permission by the Attorney General.

I don’t think they are made in Australia, but who knows?

They’re legal in NZ, and also in England of all places.

HeighwayQueen11:09 am 02 May 13

@Kittywitty have you called Crimestoppers to let them know about the home grown pharmacy? It’s possible they don’t know about it, but if you call something can be done about it.

kittywitty said :

I was hoping the homegrown pharmacy down the road from me would have been impacted, but no it’s business as usual in my street…..

Do they give discounts for CSHC holders?

I was hoping the homegrown pharmacy down the road from me would have been impacted, but no it’s business as usual in my street…..

iLazy said :

dungfungus said :

LSWCHP said :

A silenced rifle hey? That’s a bad piece of kit to have around. Dealing dope is one thing, dealing while armed is another thing altogether and I really don’t like it. I hope they all get a nice stretch in the big house.

I don’t think silencers are illegal in Australia.

They are illegal to own without permit… and pretty much no one gets one.

They are also a prohibited import without a permit… and again, no one gets one.

Permits issued to professional hunters, I think. So rabbit 2 doesn’t hear you shoot rabbit 1.

IP

gooterz said :

Hopefully there will be an easing up of all the drug related crimes and muggings!

err no. If tis has an impact at all, the principles of supply and demand mean it will increase the price of drugs, thereby causing more property crime and robberies.

IP

thebrownstreak692:17 pm 01 May 13

BimboGeek said :

For those of you saying ice is the devil, just a reminder that it’s an approved medicine in some countries, used to treat ADHD and as a diet pill (Desoxyn).

The Wikipedia page on heroin also has a whole section about how British hospitals consider it superior to morphine as a painkiller because it’s stronger so they can use less. Plus last I checked it was considered more effective than methodone for treating opioid addiction although many countries think it’s not worth risking prescribing drugs with such a high abuse potential.

And of course we all know there are medical benefits of cannabis, generally to do with nausea and appetite.

The problem with any drug is more to do with abuse and criminal behaviour. So if you’re going to debate drug policy do bear in mind that the substances you are demonising are prescribed by doctors and people use them for a long time, experiencing an improvement in their lives.

I’m not a huge fan of the junkies in the neighbourhood, just saying their biggest problem is the decision to become a junkie and live as a criminal rather than the drug itself.

Drugs don’t kill people, people kill people…?

iLazy said :

dungfungus said :

LSWCHP said :

A silenced rifle hey? That’s a bad piece of kit to have around. Dealing dope is one thing, dealing while armed is another thing altogether and I really don’t like it. I hope they all get a nice stretch in the big house.

I don’t think silencers are illegal in Australia.

They are illegal to own without permit… and pretty much no one gets one.

They are also a prohibited import without a permit… and again, no one gets one.

Read #19

dungfungus said :

LSWCHP said :

A silenced rifle hey? That’s a bad piece of kit to have around. Dealing dope is one thing, dealing while armed is another thing altogether and I really don’t like it. I hope they all get a nice stretch in the big house.

I don’t think silencers are illegal in Australia.

In the Firearms Act 1996 – Schedule 1 – Prohibited Firearms

11) a firearm to which there is attached any article or device capable of muffling,
reducing or stopping the noise created by firing the firearm

So under that act it appears that the suppressor might be legal but attaching it to the firearm makes it a prohibited firearm.

Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 – prohibits the import of one, unless you can get written permission by the Attorney General.

I don’t think they are made in Australia, but who knows?

For those of you saying ice is the devil, just a reminder that it’s an approved medicine in some countries, used to treat ADHD and as a diet pill (Desoxyn).

The Wikipedia page on heroin also has a whole section about how British hospitals consider it superior to morphine as a painkiller because it’s stronger so they can use less. Plus last I checked it was considered more effective than methodone for treating opioid addiction although many countries think it’s not worth risking prescribing drugs with such a high abuse potential.

And of course we all know there are medical benefits of cannabis, generally to do with nausea and appetite.

The problem with any drug is more to do with abuse and criminal behaviour. So if you’re going to debate drug policy do bear in mind that the substances you are demonising are prescribed by doctors and people use them for a long time, experiencing an improvement in their lives.

I’m not a huge fan of the junkies in the neighbourhood, just saying their biggest problem is the decision to become a junkie and live as a criminal rather than the drug itself.

dungfungus said :

LSWCHP said :

A silenced rifle hey? That’s a bad piece of kit to have around. Dealing dope is one thing, dealing while armed is another thing altogether and I really don’t like it. I hope they all get a nice stretch in the big house.

I don’t think silencers are illegal in Australia.

They are illegal to own without permit… and pretty much no one gets one.

They are also a prohibited import without a permit… and again, no one gets one.

We were in the middle of it for a few seconds! Driving to school/work a bit after 8. We got to the roundabout on Urriara Road. I followed the car in front of me onto the roundabout. Next thing 3 cars – 2 unmarked, the middle one a marked police car – approached via the wrong side of the traffic island to bypass the waiting traffic, flashed their lights at us to make us stop in the middle of the roundabout and drove on to Urriara Rd. I had no idea what it was about and only found out hours later we witnessed the stealthy approach of the raid squad.

LSWCHP said :

A silenced rifle hey? That’s a bad piece of kit to have around. Dealing dope is one thing, dealing while armed is another thing altogether and I really don’t like it. I hope they all get a nice stretch in the big house.

I don’t think silencers are illegal in Australia.

gooterz said :

Hopefully there will be an easing up of all the drug related crimes and muggings!

Yeah right, ’cause the strung out smack and ice junkies are just going to stay at home because they can’t get their fix. Your logic is flawed. Think killer zombies and you’ll be closer to the mark.

Ice should be illegal anywhere, anytime. The other two should be legalised/regulated.

Guns in the hands of the mentally altered are never a good thing and sanctions should be harsh.

rosscoact said :

Legalise it all and the cops will have to chase criminals instead

Werd. Why have the cops grouped weed in the same category as heroin/ice? I would like to see a break down of the respective values in their statement otherwise it is too vague to be meaningfull.

I’m sure you will all sleep well tonight knowing this menace is off the manicured streets of Canberra.

thebrownstreak698:37 am 01 May 13

Good stuff coppers, keep this s*** off the streets.

Hopefully there will be an easing up of all the drug related crimes and muggings!

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd11:20 pm 30 Apr 13

I would like to know the ratio of weed to heroin/ice

Bet it’s mostly weed and waste of time and money.

However, having said that, great to see some fire arms off the street.

All that weed! To be burned, and not in the good way. The destruction of that haul is the real crime here, the police are the real criminals :'(

Legalise it all and the cops will have to chase criminals instead

A silenced rifle hey? That’s a bad piece of kit to have around. Dealing dope is one thing, dealing while armed is another thing altogether and I really don’t like it. I hope they all get a nice stretch in the big house.

This morning I drove past a team getting ready to go. They were on the corner of Keira and Matina in Narrabundah. I presume they were prepping for a raid either in Narrabundah, Griffith or Red Hill. Anyone else see anything?

HardBallGets7:06 pm 30 Apr 13

Looks like nice weed.

Remember all those late night helicopter activities last year?
The eagle has landed.

FXST01 said :

Good work Boys and Girls. Thumbs up from me.

Yep good to see. Be interesting to see how the NSW and ACT courts handle it. My money is on the NSW boys will be wishing they had been nabbed in the territory.

obamabinladen5:51 pm 30 Apr 13

Great job coppers i put ice and heroin dealers in the same category as paedophiles!!!

Good work Boys and Girls. Thumbs up from me.

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