Annual Report - COMPLETE - Australian Crime Commission

Table 4.10: Output 1.3 – SEAOC use of coercive powers
Measure Total
s28 Examinations held 63
s29 Notices issued 40
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Blade Operation Djura 3
During March 2003, cooperation between ACC, AFP and ACS led to the interception
of a shipping container imported from Cambodia. A search revealed 24 kgs of heroin
concealed in a frozen seafood product. Two people were arrested in Sydney, while
the Cambodian National Police (CNP) arrested a further five people in Cambodia.
Analysis of material seized in later searches by the ACC and NSW Crime Commission
led to the September 2003 search of containers imported from Thailand, and the
discovery of 750 kgs of pseudoephedrine concealed in plaster wall plaques. Five
people were subsequently arrested in Sydney.
In October 2003, a third container, originating from Vietnam, was intercepted. It
contained 2.1 kgs of heroin concealed in grocery products, leading to the arrest of
two people in Sydney.
A principal member of this organised crime syndicate fled Australia. However, she
was later located, becoming the sixth person to be arrested in Cambodia by the
CNP in relation to this operation. On 28 May 2004, she was sentenced to 20 years’
imprisonment by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for her role in exporting heroin.
The use of the ACC’s coercive powers during this investigation identified suspect
money movements and business and property investments believed to finance drug
importations and harbour proceeds of crime. The ACC’s information is assisting in
the recovery of proceeds of crime against an estimated $4 million in real estate
holdings in NSW.
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Targeting of South East Asian organised crime has provided an enhanced
understanding of a number of SEAOCs within Australia, operating regionally, nationally
and internationally. Significant criminal associations continue to occur according to
common South East Asian ethnicity, while also often including criminal relationships
with other ethnic criminal networks. Targeting of SEAOC has led to disruption and
dismantling of these groups.
Results include:
• the seizure of 1.39 kgs of heroin and subsequent arrest of four people by Western
Australia Police;
• the seizure of an industrial heroin press and arrest of two people by Victoria
Police;
ACC ANNUAL REPORT 2003–04 I 65
4
OUTPUT 1.3: INVESTIGATIONS INTO FEDERALLY RELEVANT CRIMINAL ACTIVITY