UPDATE: A major drug trafficking kingpin has been arrested after a nationwide chase that culminated in the Northern Territory. The 55-year-old suspect, hailing from Victoria, was extradited back to his home state on November 6, 2023, to face serious drug trafficking charges at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
This urgent arrest follows a lengthy investigation into a sophisticated drug syndicate, which has allegedly imported billions of dollars in drug precursors into Australia. The man had been on the run since August, adopting a false identity as authorities closed in on the operation.
Detective Acting Superintendent Matt Kroenert remarked that dismantling this “highly organised syndicate” represents a significant victory for Victoria Police. “We have removed their illicit drugs, their weapons, their cash and their workforce,” he stated. “These results should serve as a warning to criminal groups that we do not give up; we will continue to target you, and we will find you.”
The investigation was sparked when the Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted an initial shipment disguised as a chemical for perfume in November 2022. Since then, police have arrested six other alleged members of the syndicate. Among those apprehended was a 45-year-old Newport man, arrested on August 21, 2024, while attempting to board the Spirit of Tasmania with six kilograms of pure MDMA hidden in sleeping bags.
The syndicate was allegedly responsible for importing precursor chemicals used to manufacture and distribute massive quantities of methylamphetamine, phenylacetone (P2P), and MDMA across the nation. Authorities seized precursor chemicals capable of producing 20 tonnes of methylamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $2.5 billion. Additional seizures included over 60 kilograms of P2P, valued at $1.2 million, and more than 20 kilograms of methylamphetamine, worth around $2.5 million. Moreover, police dismantled three significant drug labs located in Coburg North, Pascoe Vale, and Monegeetta.
The alleged ringleader now faces charges for trafficking large commercial quantities of MDMA and conspiracy to traffic large commercial quantities of methylamphetamine. The impact of this operation is profound, as it aims to reduce the availability of dangerous drugs that threaten communities across Australia.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about illicit drug activity to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
As the investigation continues to unfold, the community is left to contemplate the far-reaching implications of drug trafficking on public safety and wellbeing. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
