comancheros drug bust

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. The bust exposed new details about how one of Australia's most wanted fugitives gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld. 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. Pilots wondered why it sat there, rusting, and told tall stories about where it came from. 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. 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. 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. 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. His Dutch wife,hair transplant business owner Fleur Messelink publicly flaunted the couple's elaborate lifestyle on Instagram until this week. National Organised Crime Group acting Detective Inspector John Brunton said police were determined to target the leaders and key members of these criminal gangs involved in illicit drug distribution, intimidation and violence. Two shotguns and ammunition were also found. 12:38, May 02 2022. But the Daily Mail can reveal the entire elaborate sting was placed in jeopardy in late March, when an anonymous blogger sounded the alarm, labelling the platform a 'scam' which rerouted peoples' data through to the United States. In October, 20,000 ecstasy pills known as pink Porsche, luxury vehicles, properties and illegal firearms were seized through Operation Cincinnati. "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. The asset recovery unit also restrained three properties, worth a total of $5.7m, meaning they cannot be sold. They were arrested in April 2019 during a major police bust. For its encryption, it claimed to use 'OMEMO Double Ratchet Algorithm independently audited by Dutch security research group Radically Open Security'. 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. Police are gearing up to arrest a 'significant number' of people in the coming months. Waikato Mongrel Mob's public relations liaison, Lou Hutchinson, took to Twitter to say: "Lol do you seriously believe all the bullsh*t spin about the Waikato Mongrel Mob Kingdom [sic] this is a total smear campaign driven by the NZ Police, politicians and mainstream media! The catamaran was seized in Tauranga, where it remains in police custody. Wed, 16 June 2021 2:00AM Supt Migro said the investigation was ongoing. Remote landing strips were and still are a hole in Australia's national security network, too isolated and remote to be monitored effectively. The 33-year-old was charged last week following a raid at a Kangaroo Point home, where police allegedly seized 154g of meth. Breaking news, sport, business and more. Alleged bikies and associates make up one third of the hundreds of arrests made under Operation Ironside, along-term covert investigation into organised crime allegedly responsible for huge drug imports. 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. 'The cash that we've seized, which they now owe debts on, the drugs that have been seized which they now owe debts on,' Superintendent McArthur said. Pasilika Naufahu and Connor . 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. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. Police have arrested 10 people and seized over $1 million in cash and assets following a major operation targeting the supply and distribution of methamphetamine. Mr Kershaw said detectives have arrested thealleged 'King makers' behind the alleged crimes, prevented mass shootings insuburbs and 'frustrated serious and organised crime by seizing theirill-gotten wealth'. 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. 'I expect a significant number of alleged criminals to be arrested over the coming months,' Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw recently told a Senate estimates hearing. The arrests include three sergeants-at-arms, a club president, and other office bearers. The fact they were duped into thinking a network was secure would send a message to others, he said. Insane Throttle Support Club Become a memberNow, Insane Throttle/Motorcycle Madhouse Radio YouTube and AudioDisclaimer, Meet the Insane Throttle Contributing Columnist James Hollywood Macecari, Motorcycle Clubs Riding Clubs and Associations Near Me Index &Listings, Our Policies here at Insane Throttle Publications. Large-scale operations of this nature create enormous disruption and paranoia within organised crime groups because it breaks down their communication channels that they use to evade law enforcement detection.". The investigation, dubbed Operation Weirton, had been looking at a criminal syndicates alleged links to importation of controlled Class A drugs into the country, Coster said. 'These criminal influencers put the AFP in the back pocket of hundreds of alleged offenders,' Mr Kershaw said. More than 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine and 66 kilograms of cocaine were found in a massive drug bust in Norco last month, making it the largest seizure of meth for the DEA's Los Angeles Division. New details about a massive WA drug bust which snared former Comanchero bikie Mohammed Oueida can be revealed for the first time, including how one of the three alleged drug smugglers fainted when first arrested by police. An Interpol red notice has also been for Ayik's arrest, who remains on the run from authorities. Shit happens.". Never seen anything like it': Medics and care workers hits back at Matt Hancock by revealing Rishi Sunak told Matt Hancock that Dominic Cummings' time in Downing Street was 'a nightmare', new WhatsApp Madonna's Skid Row brother: For years the superstar, 64, was accused of shunning him. 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. 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 covert surveillance led to the termination of dozens of search warrants on Monday and a swathe of arrests putting a heavy dent in the criminal drug trade here and preventing the Comancheros earning millions of dollars from narcotics. The 1970s Aztec Piper no longer sits at Jandakot Airport. 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros. Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said Operation Trojan Shield would have an unprecedented impact on organised crime syndicates across the globe. Hayden Burber, 33,alleged treasurer of the South Australian Comanchero, Christian Taumoefolau, 31, allegedSergeant-at-Arms of the Victorian Comanchero, Eren Kaya, 28, alleged Sergeant-at-Arms from Victoria, Muhammed Topal,25, Victorian-based brother of high-ranking Comanchero figure Hasan Topal, Emmanuel Vamvoukais, 40, alleged sergeant-at-arms of the NSW South Coast, Elias Elchaar, 49, alleged national sergeant-at-arms of the Lone Wolf gang, The comments below have not been moderated, By Because with the pandemic situation constantly changing, its easy for misinformation and rumours to take hold. It was the biggest drug bust in WA history and a day law enforcement officers . A 33-year-old man from the Comanchero bikie gang was identified by police as the alleged principal offender who engaged in the trafficking and supply of drugs along with other associates. It was March 5, 2008. All times AEDT (GMT +11). For years, it sat on the tarmac at a general airport 20 kilometres south of Perth. It could only send messages to another device that had the organised crime app. BBC's 1million star Zoe Ball, 52, lands big new payday for Abba show on ITV. Another nine were allegedly linked to the Rebels, eight to the Lone Wolf gang, and a handful linked to the Mongols, Finks, and Bandidos, News Corp reported. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW, Kate Garraway reveals Derek's heartbreaking words when they thought he had just minutes left to live. Coster said Thursdays bust was a significant result by the National Organised Crime Group to combat community hard caused by meth. Some 21 execution plots were foiled and drug and gun smuggling networks dismantled. AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the alleged syndicate included 'someof the most dangerous criminals toAustralia'. Had this shipment been distributed across New Zealand it would have caused immense harm to the vulnerable communities these criminal groups were preying upon.. They claim to have disrupted those planned importations. Police are making good progress dismantling his alleged empire of organised crime. The WA drug bust that changed Australian law enforcement forever. "They are establishing themselves here in WA.". He was denied bail and will reappear in court next week. Acting detective inspector John Brunton from the national organised crime group said police are determined to target the leaders and key members of gangs that are involved in drug dealing. Get exclusive discounts on movie tickets, dining and popular attractions. But its best feature - and for most of its users, the worst - wasn't promoted in its marketing material. 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!' Toxic trauma expert Gabor Mate diagnoses Prince Harry with attention deficit disorder but tells him it CAN 'I felt different to the rest of my family - and my mum felt the same': Prince Harry opens up on his 'broken 'He's completely beige drained of all his feisty ginger life-blood': JULIE BURCHILL'S verdict on Prince 'I was a bit of a mess': Amanda Abbington reveals she considered suicide after split from ex Martin Freeman DR ELLIE CANNON: My breast has not got lumps but it's itchy, should I be concerned about cancer at age 72? A 24-year-old Mount Gravatt East man charged with 17 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, six counts of supplying dangerous drugs and one count of receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying. 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. He had done the trip a handful of times before. 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. Information between the agencies led to the commencement of two local operations targeting drug and money-laundering offences. 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. What did do was send encrypted messages, photos and videos, using a foreign SIM card to apparently avoid Australian data snooping laws. 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. With millions of New Zealanders turning to us every day, its our mission to make Aotearoa a better place. 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. For more than 18 months, Anom's criminal users unknowingly communicated on the system operated by FBI agents. Nearly 9kg of meth had also been seized at the border during the course of investigations linked to the joint operation. Encrypted platforms were designed to prevent law enforcement agencies from monitoring such criminal activities. On its glitzy website, the 'ANoM' phone looks like any new tech innovation with sleek black lines, 'invite only' exclusivity and a pledge to 'enforce your right to privacy'. "We've got the president - there was actually a structure in place - there are a number of other people that we are waiting to see when and if they will be patched, and that was going to happen (this) weekend," WA Serious and Organised Crime Division Superintendent Jim Migro told reporters on Friday. We want to reduce the harm these gangs are causing in our communities, he said. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. It was March 5, 2008. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Successful police operations like Trojan Shield also ensured organised crime groups "don't gain an asset base which they can use to corrupt government officials or port or airline workers, which can make their operations easier to undertake". Topics Selection,Research, Editing, Correction Policy andEthics, Three Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang members have been charged following a search of theclubhouse, Murder Suspect is a reputed member of Hells Angels outlaw affiliate club the Red Devils MotorcycleClub, A SIT DOWN WITH PROFESSIONAL MONKEY- BRING IT TO THE TABLE, HERE'S THE TRUTH ABOUT UNCLE SHAGGY & THE INVADERS MC, A SIT DOWN WITH PROFESSIONAL MONKEY- BRING IT TO THE TABLE **FULLVIDEO, THE PAGANS MC MADE THEM LOOK FOOLISH **FULL AUDIOEPISODE**, THE PAGANS MC MADE THEM LOOK FOOLISH**VIDEO**, Ep 937 HERES THE TRUTH UNCLE SHAGGY & THE INVADERS MC **FULLAUDIO**, HARLEY DAVIDSONS FROM 90s ARE BETTER THAN MODERNHARLEYS, https://insanethrottleinternational.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/discord-commercial-harley.mp3, https://insanethrottleinternational.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/motorcyclemadhousemayhempromo.mp3. The app AN0M was installed on mobile phones that were stripped of other capability. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. Ayik is wanted in several countries, including Australia, where he is listed as one of NSW's most wanted criminals. 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. From Whyalla they travelled to Forrest, a popular refuelling stop more than 1100km east of Perth, near the South Australian border. Comancheros gang boss Pasilika Naufahu jailed for money laundering, conspiring to supply drugs Updated 19/02/2021 Jamie Ensor Zac Fleming Comancheros boss Pasilika Naufahu has been sentenced. Six people have been charged over a major methamphetamine importation and the biggest drug bust in New Zealand history. 50kg of cocaine seized in 10-month police probe, suspected Colombian drug ring . Police seized almost $2m in drugs and property after raids on a Comancheros bikie gang drug trafficking syndicate. A joint investigation led to the largest ever interception of methamphetamine at the border. Through the covert operation, detectives allegedly uncovered 21 murder plots, gun distribution and mass drug trafficking, withmafia bosses,bikies, and reality TV stars arrested and charged. 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. The Comancheros are regarded as one of the most violent motorcycle gangs in Australia. Alleged criminals were tricked into sending messages to their criminal associates around the world via the encrypted messaging app, 'AN0M'. Twelve people, aged between 20 and 42, will appear in the Auckland District Court in the coming days on various drug related charges. 'STAY AWAY FROM ANOM IF YOU VALUE YOUR PRIVACY AND SAFETY,' the blogger wrote in an article, which has since been pulled down. It comes as there have been tonnes of drugs and hundreds of arrests overseas. 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. 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. It is estimated the meth could have caused more than $500 million worth of social harm if sold into the community. Criminals needed to know a criminal to get a device. 'There will be people out there who think they're okay, because they weren't on the AN0M platform. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Video / AFP It is being credited with catching underworld figures, mafia. We are still coming.'. 'Illicit drug use ruins lives and fuels organised crime.'. We want to reduce the harm these gangs are causing in our communities, he said. ANoM's website, which was only deleted about 10am on Tuesday, made the technology sound bulletproof. 'I have amessage for the criminals targetingAustralia and Australia's interests- the AFP will be relentless,' Mr Kershaw said. Ninja Warrior 2017 contestant Sopiea Kong was among those arrested. 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. Ayik, then in his early 30s, had made a fortune by forging alliances with Chinese triads, Indian chemical suppliers, the Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang and known underworld figures to create a multi-billion dollar international drug syndicate spanning across continents. 'There's no doubt going to be some tension within the whole system about who owes what drug debt and so on. ", Witnesses sought following assault, Hastings"Police are seeking witnesses to an assault, International police operation: How the gangs were brought to their knees - NZ Herald. As the plane finally stopped on the apron, the Lycoming O-540 engines idling away, he heard a knock on the door. "Ah, we have an issue here," Detective Morrish said as he peeked inside the bag. Further charges against more people have not been ruled out. Get the news you want delivered straight to your inbox so you never miss a headline. 'It's just pure revenue, it's a bit like selling Amway for him. Please try again later. "Turn the engine off and get out of the aircraft.". Senior leaders of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs have been arrested and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash seized following a raft of armed police raids across Auckland and Christchurch. Of the 303 arrests across Australia so far, 99 were former alleged bikies and associates. The #1 Biker News Website Since 2011-Covering up to minute biker news including Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs & Biker News Worldwide. 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. Police commissioner Andrew Coster said some are also facing money laundering charges. The hacker added that law enforcement agencies had been tipped off. Not so shipshape! Some 224 people have been arrested, $44,934,457 in cash seized, as well as 104 weapons, 3.7 tonnes of drugs and multi-million dollar assets. Operation Ironside is justthe beginning and the AFP is livingup to our maximum of keepingAustralians safe.'. The group is accused of transporting drugs into Queensland via heavy vehicles for distribution across the states southeast and central region. It was a sweet deal for somebody living off the generosity of friends and family. He invested his proceeds of crime in hotel and resort developments while living a lavish lifestyle that extended to flashy cars and private yachts. 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. A 41-year-old Gaven man charged with 11 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime and eight counts of supplying dangerous drugs. Pictured: ammunition seized by police, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the AFP operation, known as Operation Ironside, had struck a 'heavy blow' against criminals, Hakan Ayik (pictured) gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld throughencrypted communications app AN0M. Police searched 21 properties across Auckland and three in Christchurch. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? Todays arrests include a leader of the Comancheros gang, who allegedly formed a partnership with a senior member of the Rebels gang in Christchurch, with both allegedly running drug distribution networks in their areas, police said in a statement. Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia A man shot dead during the horrific Wieambilla terror attack has been posthumously bestowed the highest honour. Acting Detective Inspector John Brunton outlines a major police operation targeting MDMA distribution (Video first published on October 29, 2020). (Supplied) By 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. UN states finally agree deal to protect high seas. It is being credited with catching underworld figures, mafia personalities and terror suspects planning not only major drug imports but cold blooded executions. Police have charged 224 alleged offenders with 525 charges, shut down six clandestine laboratories and acted on 21 threats to kill, Pictured: one man accused of participating in the syndicate sits on his bed after being raided by AFP officers, A luxury Audi sedan seized by the AFP as part of their joint investigation with the U.S. FBI, The bust exposed new details about how one of Australia's most wanted fugitives gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld. 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. 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. Video / Mike Scott. The plane that spurred the downfall of one of Australia's largest drug syndicates was sold at auction in May. West Australian Newspapers Limited 2023. Santos is eight years into a 15-year sentence and will tell anyone who listens he is innocent. The Australian Federal Police on Tuesday revealed a breathtaking three-year tech ploy which led to 4,000 police executing 525 search warrants. China increases military spending in face of 'escalating' threats, Treaty ahoy! They paid for the fuel and he built up his hours. Senior investigators allege '100 per cent' of telephone conversations intercepted on the devices were all business and in relation to criminal activity. 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. The Aztec at a hangar at Jandakot Airpot. A luxury Ducati motorcycle, Audi sedan, Rolex watches, ammunition, bullet-proof vests, firearms and even memorabilia from the 1972 cult classic The Godfather was seized from a number of properties. Samuel Minkin, 28, appeared in court last week after allegedly being busted by cops, The AFP is also likely to seek extradition requests of a number of persons of interest living overseas. A police investigation would later reveal Micalizzi was a drug runner for the Comancheros, a middleman in an international drug syndicate led by Turkish-Australian gym junkie Hakan Ayik. "We believe the termination of these operations will have a significant impact on New Zealand's organised crime scene.". The Aztec landed at Jandakot Airport just before 4pm. Police claim Milenkovski is the president of the nascent WA chapter of the Comancheros and was in the process of establishing the club in the state. Alleged crooks even paid six-monthly subscription fees to the police - the money only further reinforcing law enforcement methods. It reiterated the importance of transnational law enforcement partnerships "to dismantle organised crime groups and the enormous harm they cause to our communities". It was mostly unknown clients like the one bound for Jandakot who had booked the trips. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the AFP operation, known as Operation Ironside, had struck a 'heavy blow' against organised crime. 'We allege they aremembers of outlaw motorcycle gangs,Australian Mafia, Asian crimesyndicates and serious and organisedcrime groups,' he told reporters on Tuesday. 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 . Operation Tango Citron uncovered a major drug network operating across the citys bayside region distributing cocaine, methamphetamines, MDMA and cannabis, according to Queensland Police Service. 'Enforce your right to privacy': This is how the ANoM website advertised its product - with users not realising that law enforcement officials could read each and every message. 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.