Superhero cops smash comic book drugs ring
GOLD Coast detectives have dismantled an international drug-smuggling ring by intercepting $1 million of methamphetamine tucked inside hollowed-out comic books, police will allege.
Ten Gold Coasters were nabbed yesterday as part of a six-month operation.
The syndicate is accused of importing the drug ice from the United States through post and couriers.
Coast detectives yesterday arrested the alleged ring leader, a 49-year-old man, of no fixed address.
He is accused of travelling between the Gold Coast and the US to organise the shipments from southern California.
Police allege they seized about three kilograms of ice. It had a street value of about $1 million. Cannabis, cash, GHB, an electric bike, a stolen 4.6m boat and trailer and other drug paraphernalia were also allegedly seized during Operation Romeo Vigilant.
Nine raids were conducted in Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Waters, Robina, Currumbin Waters, Austinville and Varsity Lakes yesterday.
Detective Inspector Brendan Smith said the alleged drug haul would take 30,000 hits of ice off the streets.
He said Gold Coast detectives worked closely with Homeland Security in the US.
Police will allege the syndicate linchpin was responsible for importing the drugs and distributing them
other to members of the syndicate, some of whom did not know each other.
Insp Smith said no arrests had been made in the US, but police say they had identified the alleged supplier.
“Homeland Security is working with local police in America to take some enforcement action over there,” he said. “At this point we think it is coming from southern California. As you can appreciate that’s very close to the international border of Mexico. We’re certainly looking at those links.” Police will allege they got information about the syndicate through the public and people privy to the operation. If you have any information about drug crime on the Coast contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.