He has since been spotted in Cyprus, Spain and Dubai, with Australian authorities suspecting he is the mastermind behind a massive drug lab in India capable of exporting tonnes of methamphetamine around the world. So were working very closely, offshore, with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Homeland Security Investigations, on who thought it was a good idea to send drugs to Western Australia, because we wont tolerate that in this state. It was given to the Australian Federal Police for testing, coming back as positive to meth. 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. Three men - aged 31, 32 and 35 - have been charged with importing the drugs and faced Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Arrests being made at Hillarys Boat Harbour.Credit: Police Media, Theres some good crooks in the mix and thats what we want.. What's Happening - Police Scotland Qantas has announced a new CEO to take over from Alan Joyce. Live drug updates | Mirage News Longhorn said the operation was an opportunity to catch those responsible for drug importation at a higher level. Cops dragged three burly, tattooed men out of the upturned vehicle on a patch of grass in southeast Perth and arrested them on December 30. The uniformed police found the drugs hidden under a pillowcase in the black sports bag Micalizzi had brought with him. 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. RBT and Booze Bus Locations - for all other road stuff, speed, handhelds etc, Perth Revenue Raisers Peta Rasdien. Biggest drug bust in Australian history: Cocaine worth $1 billion Western Australian police search a boat allegedly used to retrieve a package about 40 nautical miles off Perth's coast. 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. Watch and listen to a variety of WA true crime series, video channels and podcasts with commentary on news, politics and current affairs. (modern). Are you a deadset writing legend? To improve your experience, The population of 'world's most criticised prison' just doubled. 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!' Now, we did actually split those drugs up, even though they were seized from the United States, we reconstructed them using plaster of Paris. 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. Deputy Commissioner Tony Longhorn said: "It's a confidence booster every time we do these operations we're testing the limitations of our capabilities.". Police said the 99kg ofmeth - estimated to be worth about $100million - could have been sold to a million people in individual street deals. Get exclusive discounts on movie tickets, dining and popular attractions. Two brand new vehicles were also seized as part of the raids known as Operation Kingston Alcatraz and Operation Kingston Destiny. But until now, its role in one of the biggest law enforcement operations in Australian history has remained a mystery. It was the biggest drug bust in WA history and a day law enforcement officers would remember for years to come. Two people have been arrested after an investigation into an organised crime syndicate allegedly importing and distributing tens of millions of dollars of illicit drugs into Melbourne and operating a drug 'safe house'. It was mostly unknown clients like the one bound for Jandakot who had booked the trips. Santos claims he had no knowledge of any drugs being transported on the plane and maintains there was no forensic evidence linking him to the bag. News drugs drugs Man charged after allegedly trucking 136kg of cannabis to Queensland Police said they found the drugs behind a number of potted palm trees in the back of the truck. READ MORE COMMENTS FROM THE POLICE COMMISSIONER ON THE WEST AUSTRALIAN. Police seize drugs form the Ellenbrook home. Theyre people that are vulnerable and they get enticed by these drug syndicates to get involved. The 1970s Aztec Piper no longer sits at Jandakot Airport. 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. Authorities sensationally carried out Australia's biggest ever organised crime bust on Tuesday. Get the news you want delivered to your inbox. Please try again later. Were looking at $300,000 to $400,000 for a kilo of cocaine, he said. Joint media releases | Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission - ACIC BUSTED! Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Six more men were then arrested at a popular family boat harbour in Perth. Biggest drug bust in Australian history: Cocaine worth $1 billion seized in WA sting. Drugs & Alcohol | The West Australian Best Perth pubs for pre-footy beers or a cheeky cocktail, West Australian Newspapers Limited 2023. 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. 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. '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. Tue, 14 February 2023 9:20PM A Perth DJ and self-proclaimed "upcoming producer" is among five people facing serious charges after detectives seized more than 12kg of drugs in Perth's north-eastern suburbs. The vision shows police running towards the boat and three individuals emerging from the vessel before lying on the sandy beach. Emily Moulton and Shannon Hampton Operation Beech How alleged Mexican cartel-linked syndicate came unstuck Operation Beech: Footage of the moment police storm beach, dump fake Blanch said WA Police were supported by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, which monitors organised crime groups across the country and the world. He said WA Police working with the USs Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) gave officers a skip in their step and experience in tackling high-level crime. 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. The twin-engine plane, which miraculously survived a cyclone in Darwin in 1974, had been used to operate a freight charter service in Central Queensland and sight-seeing tours over the Great Barrier Reef until 1990. They dropped it 40 nautical miles west of the state capital Perth, while monitoring it using drones and helicopters. Also contained in the vision is the moment officers retrieve the fake cocaine from the Catalina at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Cannabis seized after drug bust in Perth's north-east 'Okay, without being fantastic': Alan Joyce's legacy after 15 years at the helm of Qantas. It is alleged more than $2 million cash was found in the vehicle. WA Police have seized 33 kilograms of methamphetamine and 50,000 pills allegedly found hidden under a bed in a motorhome after it entered the state. Breaking news, sport, business and more. The alleged ringleader, known as "The Kid", is one of six organised crime bosses being targeted by WA Police. The enormous volume represents half of Australia's annual consumption of the drug, and has an estimated street value of $1 billion. 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. Acting deputy police commissioner Tony Longhorn said Australia was an attractive proposition for would-be drug dealers. On 30 December, tactical response officers arrested three men onboard Cool Runnings, with approximately 1.2 tonnes of the fake cocaine. WA Police seize $10kg of meth following Dianella raid Sign up for Guardian Australias free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup. It was March 5, 2008. This comp is for you! Pic: Western Australia Police, Police used helicopters and drones in the operation. Then the Catalina sank. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. Live drug news coverage of developments with the latest updates. 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. AFP charges four in Western Australia over meth trafficking Please try again later. They dropped the parcel off about 40 nautical miles west of Perths coast and over three days to 30 December, a shore party allegedly made three trips out to retrieve the package because they could not find it. The pills seized, which weighed 25kg,are yet to be tested. Footage of the precision raid shows officers gathering out the front of a nondescript apartment in Mordialloc. The two men were met then met another group, who then allegedly helped to unload the boxes of latex pillows into a shipping container at the property. Police arrested a 35-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, both from Victoria, who were inside the vehicle. 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.. Olivia Day For Daily Mail Australia Cool Runnings then sank. Ellenbrook drug bust: Three people charged after 7.3kg of cannabis seized and more than $200,000 in cash Brianna Dugan The West Australian Wed, 14 September 2022 4:43PM Three people have been charged with a string of offences after police allegedly busted them with more than seven kilograms of cannabis and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash. Western Australian police search a boat allegedly used to retrieve a package about 40 nautical miles off Perths coast. Men to be charged over 188kg cocaine bust | 7NEWS Credit:Nine News. Pilots wondered why it sat there, rusting, and told tall stories about where it came from. AFP officers were staking out a Noranda house on Monday when they observed a ute arriving at the house and reverse into the driveway. Forensic specialists estimated there was about 99kg of meth inside the pillows, with a street value of at least $100 million. A massive blaze erupted at an auction yard in Perth on Friday night, with dozens of cars going up in flames. The body of MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo was found at 2am at a hotel in one of Melbournes most famous streets. Police have raided nearly 50 homes and businesses across Perth, smashing a criminal empire allegedly run by a 24-year-old man believed to have links to South American drug cartels. Key points: An operation between US and Australian police has resulted in the seizure of 2.4 tonnes of cocaine bound for WA Border officers found substance stuffed inside pillows shipped to Australia. AFP and ABF officers swooped on the trio as they left the site in a white van, resulting in a dramatic collision after the men allegedly tried to evade police. Western Australia drugs bust: Police arrest 12, seize $1 billion worth For years, it sat on the tarmac at a general airport 20 kilometres south of Perth. Kewdale Murder Charge Confused by the 'sustainability' label on your favourite can of tuna? 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 at this point, under the cover of darkness, that the TRG officers struck. 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. Twelve men in total with charged as a result of the operation, ranging from 19 to 67 years of age. Among those arrested were the crew aboard the Catalina, who are also seen in the police footage. 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. Ellenbrook drug bust: Three people charged after 7.3kg of cannabis 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. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. But during his trial in the WA District Court, Judge Christopher Stevenson said the duo had played a "dangerous game of Russian Roulette" trying to incriminate each other, "the last refuge of a desperate man to avoid any criminal liability". Inert cocaine being dropped into the ocean by WA Police in a sting operation to target drug smugglers. Major drug busts across Perth have netted meth, cash and gold. Drugs News: Latest & Breaking Drugs Headlines and Today's News Updates WA Police target drug dealers using encrypted messaging apps Police seized 6kg of methylamphetamine and more than $59,000 cash from a vehicle and properties in suburban Perth last Sunday. "I saw this aeroplane come up and I just bought it out of curiosity," Nevan Pavlinovic said. Officers from the Drug and Firearm Squad stopped the vehicle near Kellerberrin, in WA's Wheatbelt, at about7:30pm on Friday. In a cunning plan to trap them, police substituted the cargo for fake cocaine using identical packaging. While we have seized the drugs and cash from these established criminal networks our job is not yet done and we will continue to pursue the source of these drugs, Mr Blanch said. Sign up for Guardian Australias free morning and afternoon, email newsletters for your daily news roundup. 7NEWS Perth - DRUG BUST Tonight in 7 News at 6, a major - Facebook Australian Federal Police have charged four men and seized 8kg of methamphetamine after busting an alleged Vietnamese drug trafficking syndicate in Perth. after Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized a record 2.4 . The comments below have not been moderated, By 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. So we waited and we watched, Blanch said. The drugs had been seized, so the risk of 2.4 tonnes coming to our shores had been mitigated, he said. The West Australian can reveal police have charged Perth DJ Shivan Arasu-Dahl, 32, with a range of offences after a major operation was launched last October by the drug and firearm squad. 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. 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. Kewdale Murder Charge Tue, 25 April 2023 3:52PM. 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. Operation Kingston Alcatraz netted 6kg of methylamphetamine and nearly $60,000 in cash. Three men arrested for attempting to import almost $1million worth of meth. Blanch said this was an extraordinary job by the people involved but said it was not over. Key points: Ronald Peace, 36, was arrested alongside eight others in the outback town of Tennant Creek last June after a three-and-a-half month NT Police investigation codenamed Operation AMYL . March 4, 2023 3:36AM Topics Crime Courts & Justice Perth WA News 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. WIN a share of $75,000 in cash prizes with the worlds richest short story competition. The latest real-time news updates and headlines on drug. He was then arrested by the Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime squad.. 17 people have been charged, over 20 million dollars of assets have been seized. The plane that spurred the downfall of one of Australia's largest drug syndicates was sold at auction in May. Men snared in 'massive' billion-dollar Geraldton meth bust to spend 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. Here's what you need to know, 'Bassam is going to call': Brothers 4 Life leader allegedly used lawyer as go-between in drug ring, Alleged gunman accused of holding up Nick Kyrgios's mother and stealing his Tesla refused bail. The next few months after the bust, investigators from the Australian Crime Commission infiltrated international money-laundering streams and exposed Ayik's drug empire. "That's $33 million worth of drugs that have been taken out of play," Mr Papalia said. Midland Detectives are investigating an attempted aggravated armed robbery that occurred on Sunday 23 April 2023, in Beechboro. Twenty-six people, including six from Perth County, are facing numerous charges after a massive drug bust earlier this week. It also shows police raiding a house in Carlisle where another person alleged to be involved with the syndicate was arrested. The pair appeared in court on Monday charged with possession of a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine with intent to sell and supply and they have been remanded in custody until their next appearance on May 10. Read more:How laughing gas addiction 'messed up' man's lifeCocaine worth 35m found on small boat in SussexNitrous oxide is being sold on the streets. AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner John Tanti said the price of the illicit substance skyrocketed in WA due to border closures that restricted the supply. All times AEST (GMT +10). Three men charged over alleged plot to bring $100m worth of meth into The operation, which has been ongoing since November 2022, led to the arrest of 12 individuals. WA Police have targeted drug dealers, capitalising on the platforms used to carry out their illegal behavior. The meth could have fetched nearly $10 million on Perth streets. Another three suspects tracked down at houses and hotels, two of those were allegedly busted with two million dollars cash in their car. 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 Two men have faced court after a traffic stop led to a large drug bust in Perth's north-east. Police charged a 39-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman who were allegedly connected to the syndicate, according to ABC. 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.. He was charged with attempting to possess 200kg of cocaine. Perth woman facing drug charges following police raid WIN a share of $75,000 in cash prizes with the worlds richest short story competition. 26 Apr 2023 2:37 pm AEST. "Joseph Micalizzi," he said, a large sports bag hanging from his shoulder. Police were able to use fake replicas of the drugs to trick alleged suspects into thinking the cocaine had not been compromised on its journey from South America. 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. Media Releases | Western Australia Police Force WA police are working with their overseas partners to track down the people who organised the shipment. 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. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. 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. West Australian Newspapers Limited 2023. Two people were arrested and charged with laundering money from proceeds of a major offence. Police seized 6kg of methylamphetamine and more than $59,000 cash from a vehicle and properties in suburban Perth last Sunday. Peta Rasdien The West Australian. 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.. The 41-year-old Scarborough man was teaching at a Catholic college in the city's northeast when he allegedly recorded four female students in his class. Being a playboy: Musicians shock take on WOMANISING, Terri Irwin UNRECOGNISABLE in stunning new look. Mohammed Charif Oueida caught up in huge drug bust as WA police seize 266266 exclusive Three men charged over alleged plot to bring $100m worth of meth into WA Daryna Zadvirna The West Australian Tue, 4 January 2022 10:00AM The picture above shows the gripping moment in a suburb south-east of Perth when an alleged highly planned importation of 99kg of meth came to a dramatic end. "The people who bought those drugs into this believed there was another 1.2 tonnes sitting in a warehouse in WA - so we waited and we watched," Blanch said. Sign up here. Footage of a dawn raid in Melbournes suburbs shows officers seize large quantity of drugs and a loaded handgun. September 14, 2021 - 7:32PM NCA NewsWire Police have arrested 19 people and seized $7 million in cash in a massive drug sting in Western Australia. On New Years Eve police made a series of further arrests, charging nine other people in East Perth, Scarborough, West Perth and Rivervale. 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. Unknown to the cartel, the drugs were switched out with identical fakes, made from plaster-of-paris. 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. Micalizzi, who claimed he was threatened into flying to Perth by Oz and Bowa over a $20,000 drug debt and had no knowledge of the drugs, would later say he "took a gamble in court". 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. Western Australia Police confirmed today that under the cover of darkness, a sophisticated sting to take down a Mexican drug cartel eyeing an Australian market was undertaken. DRUG BUST Tonight in 7 News at 6, a major police crackdown has seen massive drug busts across the country. Loaded gun seized in dawn drug raid - news.com.au Santos reckons airport workers tipped off the police during one of the fuel stops, when Micalizzi refused to leave the aircraft despite airport protocol. The force said on Tuesday 52 charges were laid as part of the operation, and six guns and 3000 rounds of ammunition seized. Police confirmed today that under the cover of darkness, a sophisticated sting to take down a Mexican drug cartel eyeing an Australian market was undertaken. Eight men and one woman have been charged with serious drug offences and were refused bail. A handcuffed Santos assists police searching the plane at Jandakot Airport. Australia's biggest drug bust: $1 billion worth of cocaine linked to