Yesterday as part of Task Force Ironside, South Australia Police Serious and Organised Crime Branch arrested a 47 year old man, formerly of New South Wales on the Yorke Peninsula.
He was charged with the following offences:
- 15 counts of trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug,
- 9 counts of trafficking a commercial quantity of a controlled drug,
- 5 counts of trafficking a controlled drug, and
- 17 counts of money laundering.
He was refused bail and appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court earlier today.
The controlled drug allegedly trafficked by this individual and his syndicate are valued in the millions of dollars.
Detective Chief Inspector Darren Fielke said police will allege the man is the head of an organised crime syndicate which operates both nationally and internationally.
"This is a significant arrest in relation to tackling the ongoing impact of organised crime," said Detective Chief Inspector Fielke.
"We know that this man fled Australia in order to avoid detection and continue to conduct his nefarious criminal activities.
"He is also wanted by the FBI on a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) indictment emanating from his use of the AN0M encrypted platform and we are working with our partner agencies in respect to this issue.
"This arrest should send a message to all individuals who choose a path of becoming involved in any aspect organised crime.
"SAPOL and law enforcement partners both in Australia and overseas will leave no stone unturned to locate and bring to justice those involved in organised crime and who heap misery on the community through the trafficking of drugs."
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