An alleged Victorian crime syndicate has recently been apprehended in what is believed to be the largest seizure of ketamine in Australian history. The series of raids led to the arrest of three men at a rural property in Lara near Geelong. Law enforcement officers uncovered a staggering 174 kilograms of ketamine, which is classified as a border-controlled drug and commonly used by doctors and veterinarians as a painkiller and sedative.
The investigation began when the Australian Federal Police received information from Spain’s most powerful police force in late May. Their London-based officers had detected a suspicious sea cargo shipment, prompting the Australian authorities to look into the matter. The shipment consisted of 360 buckets of liquid cement, originating from Spain and arriving in Melbourne on June 26.
Upon examination by the AFP, it was discovered that approximately 80kg of ketamine had been concealed within plastic tubes inside 40 of the buckets. These buckets were delivered to a property in Merrimu near Bacchus Marsh. Subsequently, a 33-year-old man from Sunshine North collected and transported the goods to the Lara property. Meanwhile, two other members of the alleged criminal syndicate, a 37-year-old from Altona and a 32-year-old from Hoppers Crossing, were accused of emptying the liquid concrete in order to locate the illicit drugs. However, the police intervened before they could carry out their plan.
Furthermore, an additional 80kg of suspected ketamine was discovered buried in the ground at the Lara property. In subsequent raids conducted in Altona, Yarraville, and Williamstown, law enforcement officers found two high-powered gel blasters, approximately 25kg of suspected MDMA, roughly 14kg of suspected ketamine, and an estimated $210,000 in cash.
The total value of the seized ketamine is estimated to be around $6.9 million, representing a significant blow to the illegal drug trade. Australian Federal Police detective superintendent Anthony Hall emphasized the dangers associated with ketamine, stating that 40 people are admitted to hospitals in Australia every week due to drug use. The removal of this large quantity of ketamine from circulation is expected to prevent considerable harm to the community. Ketamine is known to have dissociative effects, blocking sensory brain signals, causing memory loss, feelings of detachment from one’s body, and impairing the ability to perceive danger.
The three arrested men appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, facing multiple drug-related charges. These charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. They were all remanded in custody until their next court appearance in November.
The successful operation and subsequent arrest of the alleged syndicate members highlight the commitment of the Australian authorities in combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of the community. This significant seizure serves as a deterrent to those involved in the illicit drug trade and sends a strong message that such criminal activities will not be tolerated.
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