ID :
200400
Wed, 08/10/2011 - 13:39
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/200400
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Police arrest five over 'drug ring' plans
SYDNEY (AAP) - Aug. 10 - Five Malaysian nationals charged over a multi-million dollar drug ring had plans to import hundreds of kilograms into Australia before police smashed the operation.
Police have seized two kilograms of the drug ice - also known as methylamphetamine - and a similar amount of heroin worth a total estimated street value of $4 million.
Asian Crime Squad head, Detective Superintendent Scott Cook, said on Wednesday the two leaders of the alleged operation arrived in Australia in the past two weeks while others had been working to set up drug distribution networks.
"The aspirations of the group were to import hundreds of kilos of ice to Australia," Det Supt Cook told reporters in Sydney.
"They had aspirations to distribute drugs in Melbourne, in Sydney and on the Gold Coast."
The police investigation still had a long way to go, he said, and further arrests were expected.
"And hopefully, it will also identify the methods by which they were returning the money overseas and laundering the money," Det Supt Cook said.
He said it was "unusual" that police first received information, back in February, before the alleged drug ring began operating.
"It didn't come to a head until the last two weeks when the principals flew out from Malaysia to actually oversee the commencement of the distribution of the drugs," he later told AAP.
"They're trying to tap into multiple networks to distribute their ice. It's kind of like word of mouth, 'do you know someone else' ... and a lot of meeting and greeting that took place for quite a few weeks."
Police also believe the drugs arrived in Australia about the same time.
Four of the men were arrested on Tuesday in Sydney and appeared in local courts.
One of the two alleged ringleaders was arrested on his way to Sydney Airport and another was apprehended at a restaurant in Chinatown.
Yong Hong Tan, 28, appeared in Central Local Court and was supported by his ex-wife in the gallery.
He smiled at her often as he sat in the dock and said something to her in Cantonese as he exited the court room.
Court documents showed his place of residence to be the Holiday Inn at Haymarket in inner-Sydney.
Tan did not apply for bail and was formally refused bail to appear in the same court on October 6.
The other alleged ringleader, Cheng Choy Lim, 48, appeared at Waverley Local Court and was also remanded into custody. He will appear in the same court on October 18.
Cheung Wing Chow, 39, appeared in Sutherland Local Court and did not apply for bail before being ordered to appear in Central Local Court on October 6.
Fook Chon Wong, 38, appeared in Liverpool Local Court, did not apply for bail and will appear in the same court on October 5.
A fifth man was arrested by the Australian Federal Police in Victoria.
Police also executed search warrants at locations across Sydney and seized numerous items.
Police have seized two kilograms of the drug ice - also known as methylamphetamine - and a similar amount of heroin worth a total estimated street value of $4 million.
Asian Crime Squad head, Detective Superintendent Scott Cook, said on Wednesday the two leaders of the alleged operation arrived in Australia in the past two weeks while others had been working to set up drug distribution networks.
"The aspirations of the group were to import hundreds of kilos of ice to Australia," Det Supt Cook told reporters in Sydney.
"They had aspirations to distribute drugs in Melbourne, in Sydney and on the Gold Coast."
The police investigation still had a long way to go, he said, and further arrests were expected.
"And hopefully, it will also identify the methods by which they were returning the money overseas and laundering the money," Det Supt Cook said.
He said it was "unusual" that police first received information, back in February, before the alleged drug ring began operating.
"It didn't come to a head until the last two weeks when the principals flew out from Malaysia to actually oversee the commencement of the distribution of the drugs," he later told AAP.
"They're trying to tap into multiple networks to distribute their ice. It's kind of like word of mouth, 'do you know someone else' ... and a lot of meeting and greeting that took place for quite a few weeks."
Police also believe the drugs arrived in Australia about the same time.
Four of the men were arrested on Tuesday in Sydney and appeared in local courts.
One of the two alleged ringleaders was arrested on his way to Sydney Airport and another was apprehended at a restaurant in Chinatown.
Yong Hong Tan, 28, appeared in Central Local Court and was supported by his ex-wife in the gallery.
He smiled at her often as he sat in the dock and said something to her in Cantonese as he exited the court room.
Court documents showed his place of residence to be the Holiday Inn at Haymarket in inner-Sydney.
Tan did not apply for bail and was formally refused bail to appear in the same court on October 6.
The other alleged ringleader, Cheng Choy Lim, 48, appeared at Waverley Local Court and was also remanded into custody. He will appear in the same court on October 18.
Cheung Wing Chow, 39, appeared in Sutherland Local Court and did not apply for bail before being ordered to appear in Central Local Court on October 6.
Fook Chon Wong, 38, appeared in Liverpool Local Court, did not apply for bail and will appear in the same court on October 5.
A fifth man was arrested by the Australian Federal Police in Victoria.
Police also executed search warrants at locations across Sydney and seized numerous items.
