Aussie police take down dark web drug syndicate operating from rural town

Source: Xinhua| 2019-04-12 12:12:06|Editor: zh
Video PlayerClose

SYDNEY, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A 25-year-old man who Australian authorities believe is at the centre of a "dark web" syndicate appeared in court on Friday, facing 10 charges relating to the importation and supply of drugs.

Arrested at his home in a rural community on the New South Wales (NSW) State's south coast in February, investigators seized 17 million Australian (12.1 million U.S.) dollars of cocaine, ketamine and MDMA, as well as 100,000 LSD tablets, 80,000 Australian (57,000 U.S.) dollars in cash, a Maserati sports car and a Mercedes Benz.

Police alleged in a statement that the operation was a "technologically-sophisticated online drug distribution network," that posted illicit drugs via mail service and took orders using anonymous, encrypted computer software.

After a year-long investigation headed by a State Crime Command task force named Strike Force Royden, the man was originally charged with four counts of "drug supply, knowingly directing activities of a criminal group and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime."

Appearing in court on Friday, the alleged kingpin was hit with six more additional charges.

Two women aged 20 and 24 who are believed to be sisters were also charged as part of the investigation.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011100001379712261