Cash, drugs, equipment seized in alleged syndicate bust

A multi-agency police operation has foiled an alleged cross border drug-trafficking syndicate – with the dope allegedly grown by a professional chef.

Three men caught with 20kg of cannabis are but a “small” part of an extensive interstate drug-trafficking syndicate that may destroy the evidence if they are given bail, a court has heard.

On Monday, SA Police urged the Adelaide Magistrates Court to refuse Ibrahim Abbas’ request to be released on home detention bail.

Counsel for Mr Abbas, 64, of Flagstaff Hill, insisted their client was a professional chef with a 42-year career, a wife, a $28,000 mortgage and a knee requiring surgical reconstruction.

A police prosecutor, however, said Mr Abbas – along with Darren Stephen Brown and Adam Turner – were responsible for growing, packaging and transporting cannabis.

“Mr Turner was stopped by police at Templers, driving a car carrying approximately 20kg, or 44 pounds, of cannabis,” he said.

“A search of Mr Abbas’ home found eight cannabis plants being grown hydroponically, industrial-grade heat sealing machines and $12,500 cash.

“That set-up was capable of producing only a small quantity of the cannabis seized, which sells for between $2400 and $3200 a pound – much more than the cash located.

“Police will be trying to find the other people connected to this syndicate … if Mr Abbas is bailed, his release may alert those others to destroy evidence.”

Three men have been arrested in connection with an interstate drug trafficking syndicate. Picture: File

Mr Abbas, Mr Brown, 47, of Queensland, and Mr Turner, 41, of Victoria, have yet to plead to charges of trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug.

In a joint operation between SA Police and Queensland police, detectives from the Serious and Organised Crime Branch arrested Mr Turner on Sunday.

They subsequently searched addresses at Henley Beach South, West Beach and Flagstaff Hill, where they allegedly located drug-growing equipment.

On Monday, neither Mr Brown nor Mr Turner applied for bail – both were remanded in custody until February.

Counsel for Mr Abbas asked he be released on home detention bail to live with his wife at another property, away from the scene of the alleged offending.

“He’s a 64-year-old man with no criminal history, he’s lived in the home for 20 years and has a $28,000 mortgage,” his lawyer said.

“He has a good work history as a chef, and has been in that role for 42 years … he’s now part-time due to a knee issue requiring reconstructive surgery.”

Magistrate Simon Smart ordered a home detention bail report and remanded Mr Abbas in custody for two weeks.

Outside court, Detective chief inspector Denise Gray, officer in charge of the serious crime task force said the accused have no care for the harm they cause.

“These arrests should serve as warning to those who think they can traffic drugs across interstate borders without detection,” she said.