SYDNEY • The Australian and US authorities announced that they had seized around a billion dollars worth of methamphetamine – or Ice – in a bust that revealed new ties between Mexican cartels and Aussie biker gangs.
The Australian Federal Police said on Friday that a joint investigation led the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to uncover 1.7 tonnes of drugs in California last month.
The US authorities said the illicit cargo – with a street value of A$1.29 billion (S$1.24 billion) – was hidden in two shipping containers carrying audio equipment bound for Australia.
After a series of raids this month, two US nationals and four Australians were arrested last week in the Melbourne and Sydney areas. They face various charges, including attempting to import illegal drugs, and face maximum sentences of life in prison in Australia if convicted.
The investigation appeared to reveal cooperation between Mexican cartels and Australian biker gangs, developing what the authorities say is a worrying new vector for drugs to arrive to Australia.
Assistant Commissioner Bruce Hill of the Australian Federal Police said: “This is a serious warning. We now believe the Mexican cartels are actively targeting Australia. They have been sending smaller amounts over the years. This is now flagging their intent. Australia is now being targeted.”
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He added, without naming the cartel involved: “The cartel is one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking syndicates in the world.”
He also pointed to high Australian street prices and prevalent drug use as a “drawcard” for organised crime.
Colombian and Mexican cartels have long looked to local partners to open new markets for their produce and shift legal risk.
Australian police indicated that the country’s biker gangs, with deep involvement in organised crime, were willing interlocutors.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Source straitstimes.com
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[…] US drug bust exposes ties between Mexican cartels, biker clubs:Street value of $1.24 billion was hid… On Sunday, it was complete organized chaos. Tens of thousands of motorcycles descended on the capitol and speeches, cheers, a few burning helmets, and one brave soul on a trike climbing the steps near the speaker’s podium, brought thunderous cheers from those assembled. During the speeches, unknown to the crowd, the governor and legislators hung overhead silently swaying in the breeze. When they were pointed out by Smith, the sound of approval by the bikers was deafening. Yes, we were politically incorrect and proud of it. We had the biggest rally in history and repeal was ours. Or so we thought. As feared, the legislative session ended without a vote. Timing got the better of us, but our rally certainly caught the attention of the lawmakers. It was promised that our repeal bill would be the first order of business taken up in the spring when the legislature reconvened. We were cautiously optimistic as the September chill descended on us. Our celebration ended abruptly when news of a murder in Milwaukee fell on us like an elephant sitting on our chests. Milwaukee biker and ABATE supporter, Roger Lyons, was murdered. He died while in police custody under suspicious circumstances. This story attracted national attention and writers from several motorcycle publications covered the story, including Easyriders sending two writers/photographers to cover the story. 1977 was a roller coaster of emotions. Hearings, rallies, appointments, promises of a veto, record attendance at the last rally, and death of a friend. Some things I would never change, others I can’t, but wish I could. Coming soon; the story behind the Lyons murder and the prison show that inspired other shows around the country. […]
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