UPDATE: A major drug trafficking kingpin, suspected of importing an astounding $2.5 billion in drug precursors to Australia, has been arrested after a dramatic interstate chase that ended in the Northern Territory. The 55-year-old man from Victoria was extradited back to his home state on November 6 to face serious charges at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
This urgent development comes after the alleged trafficker fled to the Northern Territory in August 2024, adopting a false identity to evade capture as investigators closed in on his drug syndicate. Detective Acting Superintendent Matt Kroenert expressed his satisfaction with the arrest, stating, “This result 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 into this highly organized syndicate began after the Australian Border Force (ABF) detected an initial shipment disguised as a perfume chemical in November 2022. Since then, authorities have arrested six additional alleged members of the syndicate. Notably, a 45-year-old Newport man was caught on August 21, 2024, attempting to board the Spirit of Tasmania with six kilograms of pure MDMA hidden in sleeping bags.
The syndicate is believed to have been responsible for importing precursor chemicals used to manufacture large quantities of methylamphetamine, phenylacetone (P2P), and MDMA across Australia. Throughout the three-year investigation, police seized chemicals sufficient to produce 20 tonnes of methylamphetamine, valued at an estimated street price of $2.5 billion. Additional seizures included over 60 kilograms of P2P worth $1.2 million, 20 kilograms of methylamphetamine valued at $2.5 million, and six kilograms of pure MDMA, estimated to be worth between $720,000 and $1.2 million.
Authorities dismantled three large-scale drug labs located in Coburg North, Pascoe Vale, and Monegeetta as part of the operation. The alleged kingpin now faces multiple charges, including trafficking large commercial quantities of MDMA and conspiracy to traffic large commercial quantities of methylamphetamine.
This case highlights the relentless efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and protect communities across Australia. Anyone with information regarding illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
