National Organised Crime Group director detective superintendent Greg Williams described Operation Trojan Shield as one of the most sophisticated law enforcement operations ever undertaken "in the global fight against organised crime". Pictured: ammunition seized by authorities, Operation Ironside foiled 21 murder plots and seized more than three tonnes of drugs, $35.8 million in cash, 72 firearms and 1650 devices with the encrypted app. "Joseph Micalizzi," he said, a large sports bag hanging from his shoulder. Huge AFP bust has seen 4,000 cops storm Australia's underworld overnight . Police said they had seized drugs some of which had been packaged ready for sale along with more than $200,000 in cash and a shotgun. 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. White is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20, while his co-accused, also alleged members of the Comancheros gang, have been charged with varying other offences. "It takes years to build these networks. Police said the nine-month investigation, run by the National Organised Crime Group, targeted a core group that are alleged to be involved in the importation, distribution and manufacture of methamphetamine and MDMA, and other drugs in the two cities. "We are an area that is very rich at present - a great area for organised crime to come and focus on," Supt Migro said. You can rely on Stuffs journalists to question the decision-makers, interview experts, and use eyewitness reporting to answer your key questions with facts and context. West Australian Newspapers Limited 2023. One of the operations - dubbed Operation Van - specifically targeted the transnational organised crime group linked to the Comancheros. Ayik is wanted in several countries, including Australia, where he is listed as one of NSW's most wanted criminals. Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia, From Nivea moisturiser to two-minute noodles and of course, an Adidas shirt: Inside the 'getaway' bag of accused cocaine kingpin dramatically arrested as he attempted to flee Australia, How an undercover operative nicknamed 'Antman' infiltrated Mostafa Baluch's alleged drug syndicate to destroy a $270million coke deal and replace 900kg in powder with a sham load. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. 'Sadly, criminal gangs are targetingAustralia because it is one of themost profitable countries in theworld to sell drugs, and for threeyears, this operation has been overt.'. It was a sweet deal for somebody living off the generosity of friends and family. Breaking news, sport, business and more. Further enquiries into the intercepted meth over the last few days saw several search warrants being carried out across south Auckland on Tuesday evening, resulting in the arrest of six people aged between 27 and 36. Four men and a woman have been charged with drug trafficking after officers executed search warrants at their homes on Wednesday. The arrests and seizures were part of Operation Baystone, which began after 2.7kg of methamphetamine was found in the Perth suburb of Stirling in December last year. It reiterated the importance of transnational law enforcement partnerships "to dismantle organised crime groups and the enormous harm they cause to our communities". Were working to restore it. China increases military spending in face of 'escalating' threats, Treaty ahoy! Stuffs ethical reporting is built on accuracy, fairness and balance. New details about a massive WA drug bust which led to the arrest of former Comanchero bikie Mohammed Oueida can be revealed for the first time. Because with the pandemic situation constantly changing, its easy for misinformation and rumours to take hold. It will also be alleged six vehicles were either stolen or used to commit an offence including two cars, a motorcycle, truck, trailer and jet ski worth a combined $230,000. His good name goes behind it, he gets some fees, there's a cut from the selling of the handsets.'. 'Essentially, they have handcuffed each other by endorsing and trusting AN0M and openly communicating on it not knowing we were watching the entire time.'. Wednesdays search warrants marked the second termination phase of Operation Cincinnati, which saw 26 people arrested and kilos of drugs, multiple firearms and more than $10 million in assets seized in October. Now, a man has purchased the same Aztec Piper which brought the drugs to WA.Credit: As Bankstown pilot Jamieson Santos was preparing to land his twin-engined 1970s Piper Aztec at a busy airport on the outskirts of Perth a dozen grim-faced police officers were waiting on the hot tarmac. It was March 5, 2008. Led by the FBI, and co-ordinated with the US Drug Enforcement Agency, Australian Federal Police, Europol and other law enforcement partners from more than a dozen countries, the covert operation involved investigators infiltrating encrypted devices used by transnational criminals. This is along way from over.'. If Stuff is a regular part of your day, please consider becoming a supporter. We want to reduce the harm these gangs are causing in our communities, he said. The gang members are alleged to have worked with offshore criminal entities to import large quantities of methamphetamine and MDMA which was distributed across New Zealand. Other eastern states-based bikie gangs the Finks and Rock Machine (formerly the Nomads) have established themselves in WA in the past 18 months. They sat back and secretly intercepted millions of messages sent as unsuspecting associates openly stated their plans including plots to kill, importing drugs and identifying those who could help them with their criminal enterprises. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA. The Comancheros are participants in the United Motorcycle Council of NSW, which convened a conference in 2009 to address legislation aimed against the "bikie" clubs, their poor public image in the wake of several violent clashes and ongoing biker wars, and defusing deadly feuds such as the Comancheros' battles with the Hells Angels. From Whyalla they travelled to Forrest, a popular refuelling stop more than 1100km east of Perth, near the South Australian border. Pilots wondered why it sat there, rusting, and told tall stories about where it came from. READ MORE: * 20,000 ecstasy pills and Ferrari seized in major police bust in Auckland. Nine other men conjointly charged with trafficking include: Police are hunting for the vehicle involved in a hit and run incident that left an 18-year-old in a critical condition. Drug kingpin and Comancheros bikie associate Hakan Ayik has spent the last decade on the run from Australian authorities after fleeing the country in 2010. We are still coming.'. You can make a contribution from as little as $1. Property seized included 3.7 tonnes of drugs, 104 weapons, $44,934,457 million in cash and assets expected to run into millions of dollars. "This shipment never made it to New Zealand.". Australian, US, and European authorities carried out raids across the world in June, with 4,000 cops in Australia arresting 224 accused organised crime figures and seizing tonnes of drugs, millions in cash, and other contraband and luxury goods. Police will allege $640,000 in cash was uncovered as well as $1m worth of drugs, including 113kg of cannabis, 134 grams of cocaine and 84 grams of methamphetamine, as well as five handguns and eight rifles. A 32-year-old Wynnum man charged with eight offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs serious - organised crime, two counts of possessing property having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, and four counts of supplying dangerous drugs. Williams said the group had planned to import "huge quantities" of meth and cocaine into New Zealand on a mothership, which would be met by smaller craft at sea and the drugs ferried back to shore for distribution. For years, it sat on the tarmac at a general airport 20 kilometres south of Perth. Police commissioner Andrew Coster said some are also facing money laundering charges. Desperate drivers are taking to social media to buy and sell demerit points, risking eye-wateringly expensive fines in the process. Now living in Turkey, he was tricked into distributing messages to his criminal associates around the world via encrypted communications app AN0M, unaware it was being run by FBI special agents. 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. But the way journalism is funded is changing and we need your help to sustain local newsrooms. 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. Police watched in real time as alleged crooks spilled their secrets to one another on their own app. The hardest hit gang were theComancheros with 76 arrests - three quarters of the alleged criminals rounded up from AN0M intercepts. But the ANoM phones were actually designed by the FBI and allowed Australian police to read the texts of organised crime figures. Mark Vick Kitos, 28, of Stirling, was also charged, but did not appear in court and remains in police custody. Acting Detective Inspector John Brunton outlines a major police operation targeting MDMA distribution (Video first published on October 29, 2020). Ayik, 42, is said to have unwittingly given police direct access to the criminal underworld by encouraging his colleagues to use the app. The bust exposed new details about how one of Australia's most wanted fugitives gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld, Among the items seized by the AFP was memorabilia from the 1972 cult classic The Godfather, Australia's biggest ever police bust has seen 3.77 tonnes of drugs, $45 million in cash, guns, luxury cars, motorcycles and watches pictured) seized, Ninja Warrior 2017 contestant Sopiea Kong was among those arrested. The uniformed police found the drugs hidden under a pillowcase in the black sports bag Micalizzi had brought with him. We provided the technical capability to decrypt those messages,' he said. However, in 2010, as the Australian branch of the syndicate started to unravel, Ayik fled the country. 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. The AFP is also likely to seek extradition requests of a number of persons of interest living overseas. Subscribe to 7NEWS Australia for the latest news video https://7news.link/YTSubscribeConnect with Seven News onlineVisit https://7news.com.au7NEWS Podcast http://smarturl.it/7NewsDailyFacebook https://www.facebook.com/7NewsAustraliaTwitter https://twitter.com/7NewsAustraliaInstagram https://www.instagram.com/7newsaustralia/ 7NEWS combines the trusted and powerful news brands including Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Latest, and 7NEWS.com.au, delivering unique, engaging and continuous coverage on the issues that matter most to Australians. New Zealands previous largest drug bust was in 2016, when 501kg of methamphetamine was seized in Northland, including 449kg from a camper van and 52kg found buried at Ninety Mile Beach. Supt Migro said the investigation was ongoing. Nearly 9kg of meth had also been seized at the border during the course of investigations linked to the joint operation. Details of the failed drug trafficking plan emerged following the termination of Operation Trojan Shield - described as the "sting of the century" and a huge blow to New Zealand's criminal fraternity. , updated "This is a very significant bust - 7.5kg of amphetamines over a couple of months.". Comancheros in WA: New details emerge about drug bust which led to arrest of former member Mohammed Oueida. The incredible scheme - which is said to have been cooked up by an Australian Federal Police officer over beers with his mates from the FBI - has also resulted in hundreds of arrests overseas and uncovered 21 murder plots. Faulkhead was arrested with five other men in January 2014 after large-scale drug raids in the Mildura region. Officers from Strike Force . 'This comes from the number of significant arrests. He was denied bail and will reappear in court next week. Mr Kershaw said detectives witnessed associates 'turning on each other' and doing business behind each other's backs. New Zealand Police say they have dealt a "huge blow" to organised crime after a major trans-national sting resulted in 35 arrests and $3.7 million in assets seized. On Monday, more than 300 New Zealand police staff involved in the operation executed 37 search warrants across the North Island. "Turn the engine off and get out of the aircraft.". The mobile phones, which were bought on the black market, could not make calls or send emails. Then known as Joseph Hakan Ayik, the Sydney bikie associate and gym junkie fled Australia in 2010 to avoid arrest over a $230 million heroin importation. 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. 'It's just pure revenue, it's a bit like selling Amway for him. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on December 6. Had this shipment been distributed across New Zealand it would have caused immense harm to the vulnerable communities these criminal groups were preying upon.. "WA police," a robust voice said firmly from the other side of the metal. Ukraine soldiers shoot down enemy drones with drones of their own, Wheel of Fortune contestant answers food puzzle wrong, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The president of the Comancheros and another member have pleaded guilty to part of their alleged involvement in a large scale money laundering and drug operation. The near year-long operation came to a climax on Sunday and Monday when detectives swarmed on multiple properties across Broadbeach Waters, Gaven, Tamborine, Rochdale, Steiglitz, Cleveland, Holland Park, Capalaba, Caboolture, Mount Nathan and Rockhampton. Coster said he was proud of his police staff for the work they do to keep communities safe. Subscribers with digital access can view this article. A 37-year-old Holland Park West man charged with 14 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime and one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs. It was March 5, 2008. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Pictured: items seized by the AFP, More arrests are expected domestically and offshore under a coordinated global response connected to Operation Ironside. Police said they were both running drug distribution networks in their cities. A 10-month investigation targeting an alleged bikie network in Brisbane connected to the notorious Comanchero gang has led to the arrest of 42 people on nearly 430 charges and the seizure of nearly $2m in drugs, cash and property. 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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized approximately one million pills laced with fentanyl allegedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in what authorities say is the biggest bust for . Meth bust: Airport baggage handlers smuggle 250kg this year . We want to reduce the harm these gangs are causing in our communities, he said. 20,000 ecstasy pills and Ferrari seized in major police bust in Auckland, 58-year-old man dies at start of mountain bike race, Person who died after incident in Auckland's Beach Haven named, What the alcohol industry doesn't want you to know, Christopher Luxon promises childcare rebates for any family earning less than $180,000, Teen boys charged with murder over killing of driver in Auckland, Homeowner says banks offering 4.99% under the table is a 'market failure', The Jugglenaut: How childcare became a for-profit game, Disappointment and tequila: How sporting power couple Dion Nash and Bernice Mene met, Wallabies star's NZ$1.6m World Cup gamble after bar brawl shuts down Japanese club, Quiz: Morning trivia challenge: March 5, 2023. He had done the trip a handful of times before. 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". Six people have been charged over a major methamphetamine importation and the biggest drug bust in New Zealand history. Operation Hoffman, a sting designed by Australia's most secretive and powerful law enforcement agency, the Australian Crime Commission, would topple a billion-dollar empire extending across two continents and send a drug lord into hiding. Police and Customs managed to intercept more than 600kg of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport. Organised crime evolving 'rapidly' in NZ as borders become 'porous' to illicit trade - NZ Heral Gangs and guns: Police unveil operation targeting firearms and organised crime - NZ Herald. In the past three years, New Zealand Police had identified up to 20 organised crime groups committing offences across international borders, Williams said. An anonymous blogger known only as 'canyouguess67' posted an article warning users to keep off ANOM for their 'own safety', Daily Mail Australia can reveal. Bi was released on $400,000 bail to reappear on March 26. The next few months after the bust, investigators from the Australian Crime Commission infiltrated international money-laundering streams and exposed Ayik's drug empire. bikies, and reality TV stars arrested and charged. Manukau District Court documents seen by Stuff allege five men participated in an organised criminal group with the shared objective of obtaining material benefits from the possession of methamphetamine for supply. We will abolish superannuation tax: Shadow treasurer, Bankman-Fried can have flip phone on bail, US proposes, Woman charged over pursuit through suburbs in stolen ute, Man to face court over death of teenage motocyclist, NSWs new hired gun in heist on WAs hard-earned GST cash, Victoria to dump minor offence reverse-onus bail test. 'There's no doubt going to be some tension within the whole system about who owes what drug debt and so on. In Australia, 224 people were arrested including members of outlaw motorcycle gangs, mafia groups, Asian crime syndicates, and serious and organised crime groups. 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros.Police are making good progress dismantling his alleged empire of organised crime. The app was accessed by entering a PIN number into the phone's calculator, the stuff of spy dramas. 22:54 EST 13 Nov 2021 China increases military spending in face of escalating threats. A further 10 gang members and their associates have also been arrested in relation to their alleged roles in the network, which saw drugs and cash transported between the two cities, police said in a statement. Regular chances to win incredible prizes like luxury getaways and sports tickets with our subscriber exclusive competitions. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. The arrests and seizures were part of Operation Baystone, which began after 2.7kg of methamphetamine was found in the Perth suburb of Stirling in December last year. . The app was invitation-only as of Tuesday morning - before the page was sensationally taken down and replaced with a warning by the FBI, Anom's Twitter account claimed the company was based in the famously neutral nation of Switzerland. But thanks to a major international police operation targeting global organised crime, the maritime drug runs never eventuated and the alleged masterminds are now before the courts. MDMA, cash and firearms were seized by police in October in Operation Cincinnati. A 47-year-old Mackenzie man charged with 11 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, three counts of supplying dangerous drug and weapon offences. More than a decade later after the sting, drugs continue to slip across Australia's borders from overseas, as the nation's drug users consume more than four tonnes of cocaine every year. However, it seems few alleged criminals in the sights of law enforcement did a cursory Google search into the 'encrypted' phone and app platform. The Aztec at a hangar at Jandakot Airpot. Credit:Nine News. The shipment of 613 kilograms of methamphetamine was intercepted by police and Customs at Auckland Airport on Thursday. 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros. Police are making good progress dismantling his alleged empire of organised crime. The drugs have a street value of more than $245 million, police said in a statement. A lawyer for the man charged with the murder of Toyah Cordingley has spoken to media following his clients appearance before a Queensland court four years after her body was found. Police will allege bikie gangs bought a share of drug importations for more than $1 million alongside other criminal groups. The 5-year hunt for Comancheros gang boss. 'The FBI had the lead on this. Its buyer, a former 747 Qantas pilot and mining, military and medical industries surplus trader, planned to donate it to a Jandakot-based tertiary education centre to train prospective engineers in disassembling aeroplanes. It is being credited with catching underworld figures, mafia personalities and terror suspects planning not only major drug imports but cold blooded executions. It's GRAYGATE! 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". Weve got a newsletter for everyone. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. 'Some of the best ideas come over a couple of beers.'. He is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on November 22. Inside the vehicle was a man and a woman and allegedly more than 30kg of deadly methylamphetamine. Users could buy phone handsets costing between $1,500 and $2,500 from what has been described as underground distributors. Along with three money laundering charges, the Comancheros president Pasilika Naufahu is charged with conspiring to commit two drug-related offences - one of conspiring to import a class A drug . Watch and listen to a variety of WA true crime series, video channels and podcasts with commentary on news, politics and current affairs. The gang vessel was seized during the searches, along with a cache of drugs, luxury vehicles and cash. The huge drug bust was uncovered when detectives from the drug and firearms squad pulled over a rented Winnebago near Kellerberrin on April 16. Police said the raids targeted a group believed to be involved in the importation, distribution and manufacture of methamphetamine and MDMA. 'Andthese figures are likely to increaseover the coming days. Phil Hickey The West Australian. "We have got a lot of people with large sums of money, very disposable income - great targets for organised crime - and that's why organised crime from all groups are starting to look at and concentrate on WA. Officers from Strike Force Garlow found $3 million worth of methylamphetamine at a dilapidated drug lab on a rural property in Kulnura and arrested 2 men aged 48 and 35 who were allegedly making the drug ice and dealing in the proceeds of crime.Police also seized methylamphetamine oil, more than 20kg of precursor chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment and $220,000 in cash.It's understood the drugs were being made under an agreement between the Nomads and Comancheros. He invested his proceeds of crime in hotel and resort developments while living a lavish lifestyle that extended to flashy cars and private yachts. But youknow, this isn't over. So that was pretty brazen to see that they were actually disloyal to their own groups,' he said. Be part of our story, and help us tell yours. Had we not made this seizure, those communities would have continued to suffer, and the individuals involved in this offending would continue to profit from the destruction with no regard for those they have affected. Dozens of people have been arrested after a police massive operation targeting alleged drug supply by outlaw bikie gangs. A joint investigation led to the largest ever interception of methamphetamine at the border. Police have charged 224 alleged offenders with 525 charges, shut down six clandestine laboratories and acted on 21 threats to kill, including saving a family of five. Police also seized a number of assets and eight luxury vehicles, including a 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista worth more than $630,000, and a 2020 Porsche 911 Coupe, worth more than $230,000. 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. At least 35 people were arrested who appeared yesterday in Auckland and Hamilton district courts facing nearly 1000 separate drug dealing and money laundering charges. Mr Morrison said the AFP's covert mission was 'seeking to frustrate [the alleged criminals] in every link of the chain'. About five kilograms of the drug was found hidden in a car being transported to Perth from Sydney, while a search of 13 premises in Perth overnight turned up a further 210g. Police have arrested 12 people, including senior members of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs, as part of an operation targeting the drug trade. All times AEDT (GMT +11). Senior investigators allege '100 per cent' of telephone conversations intercepted on the devices were all business and in relation to criminal activity. 10:26 am on 9 June 2021. Williams said $3.7m in assets had been seized, along with 20 ounces of methamphetamine, large bags of cannabis, multiple kilograms of iodine, four firearms, 14 vehicles, including two marine vessels, mobile phones and more than $1m in cash. For more than 18 months, Anom's criminal users unknowingly communicated on the system operated by FBI agents. 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. The group is accused of transporting drugs into Queensland via heavy vehicles for distribution across the states southeast and central region. The arrests were made after 24 properties were. The Comancheros are regarded as one of the most violent motorcycle gangs in Australia. The phones were stripped down - they couldn't even make calls, access the internet or send emails. Pasilika Naufahu and Connor . Credit:Nine News. Three years ago, Australia Federal Policeidentified Ayik as a key influencer to successfully distribute the encrypted AN0M devices due to his high status in the criminal underworld. Former Bachelorette star Samuel Minkin, who appeared on Becky and Elly Miles' season of the dating show, was charged with possessing a large commercial quantity of cannabis after police stopped a van in Byron Bay last month. Of the 303 arrests across Australia so far, 99 were former alleged bikies and associates. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Police seized almost $2m in drugs and property after raids on a Comancheros bikie gang drug trafficking syndicate. Senior investigators describe Ayik as the 'principal distributor of the AN0M handset.'
