LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) Dozens of people were arrested, and more than 5,000 pounds of methamphetamine and nearly $16 million was seized in the Southern California area amid a nationwide operation . An anonymous blogger known only as 'canyouguess67' posted an article warning users to keep off ANOM for their 'own safety', Daily Mail Australia can reveal. Four men and a woman have been charged with drug trafficking after officers executed search warrants at their homes on Wednesday. Officers search the black sports bag containing nearly $8 million worth of drugs stored in the cargo hold. The bust exposed new details about how one of Australia's most wanted fugitives gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld, Among the items seized by the AFP was memorabilia from the 1972 cult classic The Godfather, Australia's biggest ever police bust has seen 3.77 tonnes of drugs, $45 million in cash, guns, luxury cars, motorcycles and watches pictured) seized, Ninja Warrior 2017 contestant Sopiea Kong was among those arrested. Led by the FBI, and co-ordinated with the US Drug Enforcement Agency, Australian Federal Police, Europol and other law enforcement partners from more than a dozen countries, the covert operation involved investigators infiltrating encrypted devices used by transnational criminals. Inside the 'Aussie cartel': How nine 'baddest of the bad' How bikie drug gangs are 'infiltrating' airports and even Ukraine soldiers shoot down enemy drones with drones of their own, Wheel of Fortune contestant answers food puzzle wrong, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' For years, it sat on the tarmac at a general airport 20 kilometres south of Perth. Members of the Comancheros linked to the alleged conspiracy are among those arrested this week. "There will be a lot of organised criminals looking at how they're communicating over devices and wondering if they're next.". Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia Because with the pandemic situation constantly changing, its easy for misinformation and rumours to take hold. Mildura Comancheros boss Joshua Faulkhead, 39, pleaded guilty to charges related to trafficking of the drugs ice, cocaine and ecstasy, as well as blackmail and causing injury. Trusted enough to keep an eye on Santos and ensure the safe delivery of the drugs, Judge Stevenson would describe Micalizzi's role as "likely to have not only included some financial reward but some relationship-building with those he was associated with". The 5-year hunt for Comancheros gang boss. National Organised Crime Group director detective superintendent Greg Williams described Operation Trojan Shield as one of the most sophisticated law enforcement operations ever undertaken "in the global fight against organised crime". Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW, Kate Garraway reveals Derek's heartbreaking words when they thought he had just minutes left to live. SEE THE MAP Brayden Heslehurst and Marcel Baum Today's arrests include a leader of the Comancheros gang, who allegedly formed a partnership with a senior member of the Rebels gang in Christchurch, with both allegedly running drug distribution networks in their areas, police said in a statement. The arrests include three sergeants-at-arms, a club president, and other office bearers. Sitting at Acacia Prisons crowded visitor room, he says it all began with a phone call from a client looking for a plane ride from Bankstown, in Sydneys south-west, to Jandakot. West Australian Newspapers Limited 2023. Wednesdays search warrants marked the second termination phase of Operation Cincinnati, which saw 26 people arrested and kilos of drugs, multiple firearms and more than $10 million in assets seized in October. In Australia, 224 people were arrested including members of outlaw motorcycle gangs, mafia groups, Asian crime syndicates, and serious and organised crime groups. This . Australian bikie gangs have been crippled by almost 100 arrests stemming from the Trojan horse encryped messaging app AN0M. How Boris Johnson's Partygate tormentor Sue Gray is now enmeshed in her own row - as it is DAN HODGES: This grubby Sue Gray recruitment annihilates all pretence that Sir Keir Starmer is a man of Matt Hancock discussed 'deploying' new virus variant to 'frighten the pants off everyone' as former Health 'So many dead. Five unexpected signs in your 20s and 30s you're at risk of developing heart disease later in life. But after the deal fell through, Mr Pavlinovic, who buys and sells everything from jet engines to power tools, dismantled the plane to sell it for parts to the highest bidder. AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the alleged syndicate included 'someof the most dangerous criminals toAustralia'. 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros. By Alana Mazzoni and Daniel Piotrowski and Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia, Published: 01:08 GMT, 8 June 2021 | Updated: 16:10 GMT, 8 June 2021. Huge AFP bust has seen 4,000 cops storm Australia's underworld overnight . Comancheros in WA: New details emerge about drug bust which led to arrest of former member Mohammed Oueida. The gang members are alleged to have worked with offshore criminal entities to import large quantities of methamphetamine and MDMA which was distributed across New Zealand. The Cannon Hill man was charged with six offences including two counts of trafficking, one count of carrying a weapon in public and one count of supplying drugs. Now who the 16 people identified are, what they're charged with, and where they live can be revealed. Police have arrested 12 people, including senior members of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs, as part of an operation targeting the drug trade. Ayik, subbed one of the world's most prolific drug-smuggling masterminds, was later detained in Cyprus but then escaped and fled to Turkey, where he has created a new life. Operation Trojan Shield saw the FBI create a closed encrypted company, called Anom, to fill this void, allowing investigators to eavesdrop on criminal communications about drug trafficking and money laundering activities across the globe. Take care of your gut and it will take care of you: Could these 'friendly' bacteria transform your gut Netflix subscribers can access hidden upgrade to their favourite shows - here's how to check if you are www.dhttps://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/how-australian-drug-kingpin-hakan-ayik-gave-an0m-to-the-criminal-world-and-took-down-his-pals/news-story/cc7999b22dfdc6f16bfd620720d81e33ailytelegra Do not sell or share my personal information. It involved three major organised crime investigations here targeting the importation, sale and supply of class-A drugs, as well as money-laundering activities. Police have arrested 12 more people today as part of Operation Cincinnati and located drugs, some of which was ready for sale, and a shotgun after executing 24 search warrants. Wed, 16 June 2021 2:00AM . Police commissioner Andrew Coster said some are also facing money laundering charges. Police and New Zealand Customs staff carried. The uniformed police found the drugs hidden under a pillowcase in the black sports bag Micalizzi had brought with him. Samuel Minkin, 28, appeared in court last week after allegedly being busted by cops, The AFP is also likely to seek extradition requests of a number of persons of interest living overseas. New Zealands previous largest drug bust was in 2016, when 501kg of methamphetamine was seized in Northland, including 449kg from a camper van and 52kg found buried at Ninety Mile Beach. The gear would then be cooked or cut if needed and distributed across the country using light planes like Santos', all while the Comancheros ensured the drugs and the syndicate's main actors would be protected as the enterprise's de-facto security arm. Ayik is wanted in several countries, including Australia, where he is listed as one of NSW's most wanted criminals. Dozens of people have been arrested after a police massive operation targeting alleged drug supply by outlaw bikie gangs. Kiwi police working closely alongside international law enforcement agencies and spy networks revealed yesterday they have been secretly intercepting criminals' private communications on an encrypted digital platform built by the FBI. The group is accused of transporting drugs into Queensland via heavy vehicles for distribution across the states southeast and central region. Acting detective inspector John Brunton from the national organised crime group said police are determined to target the leaders and key members of gangs that are involved in drug dealing. Personal trainer, 22, describes what working in the fitness industry is like when you're curvy - and why Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane - UFC 285 LIVE: Follow all the action from main card ahead of HUGE heavyweight PETER HITCHENS: Now we know for sure that our leaders lost their heads over Covid. White is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20, while his co-accused, also alleged members of the Comancheros gang, have been charged with varying other offences. As the plane finally stopped on the apron, the Lycoming O-540 engines idling away, he heard a knock on the door. Police have charged 224 alleged offenders with 525 charges, shut down six clandestine laboratories and acted on 21 threats to kill, including saving a family of five. Further enquiries into the intercepted meth over the last few days saw several search warrants being carried out across south Auckland on Tuesday evening, resulting in the arrest of six people aged between 27 and 36. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. Pictured: ammunition seized by police, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the AFP operation, known as Operation Ironside, had struck a 'heavy blow' against criminals, Hakan Ayik (pictured) gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld throughencrypted communications app AN0M. Details of the failed drug trafficking plan emerged following the termination of Operation Trojan Shield - described as the "sting of the century" and a huge blow to New Zealand's criminal fraternity. James Hall @James_P_Hall 3 min read November 23, 2021 - 7:18PM NCA NewsWire Faulkhead was arrested with five other men in January 2014 after large-scale drug raids in the Mildura region. "Someone told me there was a story behind it, and then I sort of had an idea that that was the one that I vaguely remembered.". IF YOU VALUE YOUR PRIVACY & SAFETY'. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Not so shipshape! Phil Hickey The West Australian. A handcuffed Santos assists police searching the plane at Jandakot Airport. As officers searched the black sports bag, they uncovered nearly $8 million worth of drugs. 'Sadly, criminal gangs are targetingAustralia because it is one of themost profitable countries in theworld to sell drugs, and for threeyears, this operation has been overt.'. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. bikies, and reality TV stars arrested and charged. A lawyer for the man charged with the murder of Toyah Cordingley has spoken to media following his clients appearance before a Queensland court four years after her body was found. Coster said he was proud of his police staff for the work they do to keep communities safe. 3 Dec, . A 41-year-old Gaven man charged with 11 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime and eight counts of supplying dangerous drugs. Williams said the group had planned to import "huge quantities" of meth and cocaine into New Zealand on a mothership, which would be met by smaller craft at sea and the drugs ferried back to shore for distribution. It's GRAYGATE! Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. If you value facts and being well-informed, please consider supporting Stuff. 'Enforce your right to privacy': This is how the ANoM website advertised its product - with users not realising that law enforcement officials could read each and every message. With his eyes glued to the yoke, dials and switches, Santos hadn't spotted the small army of uniformed officers. Credit:Nine News. Coster thanked Customs for its exceptional profiling of shipments from high-risk countries. 51K views, 164 likes, 10 loves, 53 comments, 86 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from 7NEWS Sydney: 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros. On Monday, more than 300 New Zealand police staff involved in the operation executed 37 search warrants across the North Island. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on December 6. 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros.Police are making good progress dismantling his alleged empire of organised crime. Six people have been charged over a major methamphetamine importation and the biggest drug bust in New Zealand history. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. The #1 Biker News Website Since 2011-Covering up to minute biker news including Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs & Biker News Worldwide. Micalizzi, who sat down at the back of the six seater, slept most of the time, Santos says, and spoke to him only to ask when they would arrive. However, in 2010, as the Australian branch of the syndicate started to unravel, Ayik fled the country. Nearly 9kg of meth had also been seized at the border during the course of investigations linked to the joint operation. He has since been spotted in Cyprus, Spain and Dubai, with Australian authorities suspecting he is the mastermind behind a massive drug lab in India capable of exporting tonnes of methamphetamine around the world. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized approximately one million pills laced with fentanyl allegedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in what authorities say is the biggest bust for . Ayik, 42, is said to have unwittingly given police direct access to the criminal underworld by encouraging his colleagues to use the app. They claim to have disrupted those planned importations. It is estimated the drugs would have caused over $500 million worth of social harm, as per drug harm index figures, Coster added. The devices organically circulated and grew in popularity among criminals, who were confident of the legitimacy of the app because high-profile organised crime figures vouched for its integrity. Information between the agencies led to the commencement of two local operations targeting drug and money-laundering offences. (Supplied) According to Santos, he was preparing his plane for take-off at Bankstown Airport in the early hours of March 4, 2008, when a car pulled up outside the airfield and a young man dressed in a white shirt and black pants, walked up to shake his hand. 10:26 am on 9 June 2021. Senior members of the Comancheros gang purchased a catamaran and allegedly planned to rendezvous at sea with a "mothership" bringing large shipments of illicit drugs into New Zealand. Along with three money laundering charges, the Comancheros president Pasilika Naufahu is charged with conspiring to commit two drug-related offences - one of conspiring to import a class A drug . A 37-year-old Capalaba man charged with 158 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, one count of trafficking dangerous drugs, one count of producing dangerous drug, 130 counts of supplying dangerous drugs and weapon offences. Comancheros: Major Queensland bikie bust nets 42 arrests, $2m in drugs and property Dozens of people have been arrested after a police massive operation targeting alleged drug supply by outlaw bikie gangs. Never seen anything like it': Medics and care workers hits back at Matt Hancock by revealing Rishi Sunak told Matt Hancock that Dominic Cummings' time in Downing Street was 'a nightmare', new WhatsApp Madonna's Skid Row brother: For years the superstar, 64, was accused of shunning him. Five members face charges over a fatal bikie brawl at Sydney Airport last year. Police seized almost $2m in drugs and property after raids on a Comancheros bikie gang drug trafficking syndicate. Operation Tango Citron uncovered a major drug network operating across the citys bayside region distributing cocaine, methamphetamines, MDMA and cannabis, according to Queensland Police Service.