FED:Police smash heroin ring from Vietnam

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2011
FED:Police smash heroin ring from Vietnam

MELBOURNE, April 15 AAP - Police say they've smashed a drug ring using couriers to
traffick heroin into Australia from Vietnam.

Eight people were arrested following raids in Victoria and NSW on Friday with police
seizing a "substantial" amount of cash, jewellery and property.

The eight-month investigation, Operation Rattlesnake-Joinery, centred on an alleged
drug syndicate ferrying heroin concealed internally by drug couriers into Victoria and
NSW from Vietnam.

The operation involved Victoria Police, NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP),
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Australian Crime Commission and Vietnamese
authorities.

Five people were arrested in Melbourne where police searched 11 suburban homes, while
three people were arrested in suburban Sydney where nine properties were searched.

The AFP has previously charged five internal couriers connected to the operation.

Victoria Police Drug Task Force officer-in-charge Detective Inspector David Jones said
more than 150 police were involved in taking down the drug ring.

"As a result of this operation we believe we have been able to disrupt the activities
of significant drug and organised crime syndicates operating internationally," he said.

NSW Police Asian Crime Squad commander Detective Superintendent Scott Cook said the
joint operation should send a message to criminals.

"Criminals who are operating across jurisdictions should think again - once caught
you will be dealt with by a multi-pronged police response and police will come after you
no matter what jurisdiction you're in."

AFP Coordinator Serious and Organised Crime Detective Superintendent Des Appleby said
drug couriers risked death or serious injury by attempting to conceal drugs inside their
body.

"Couriers are known to have swallowed or concealed drugs internally and the materials
used to wrap the package have ruptured, leaked or disintegrated inside their body - leading
to an extremely high risk of death."

AAP mn/apm

KEYWORD: HEROIN

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.