Brett Martin, Taj Mohammad, Dion Balkovics charged over alleged ‘ice’ lollipops and cocaine lollies
Three northern beaches men, charged after police seized what they allege is ‘ice’ and cocaine disguised as lollipops and lollies sent from the US, have appeared in Manly Local Court.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Three northern beaches men charged over the alleged importation of “ice” and cocaine disguised as popular brands of lollipops and sweets appeared in Manly Local Court on Thursday.
The men are alleged to be involved in a scheme to send the illegal drugs from the United States to Sydney in the mail.
After Australian Border Force intercepted three packages at a major Sydney mail centre in November, containing what looked like Chupa Chup lollipops and Lifesaver lollies, authorities ended up seizing a total of 16 parcels which allegedly included 5.83kg of methylamphetamine (ice) and 655g of cocaine.
The drugs had an estimated potential street value of $3.5 million.
Early on Wednesday Northern Beaches detectives raided properties at Collaroy Plateau, Collaroy and Brookvale as well as Macquarie Park and Pyrmont.
Police allegedly seized more than $135,000 cash, 58g of cocaine, 115g of ‘ice)’, a small pill press, seven Rolex watches, electronic devices and various weapons including a Taser stun device and a flick knife.
Brett Dean Martin, 49, of Collaroy, Dion Balkovics, 31, of Cromer and Taj Mohammad, 21, of Dee Why are facing a total of 21 charges.
Mr Martin is facing two counts of attempted import marketable quantity of border-controlled drug, supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime — $46,571.
He was also charged with contravene a Section 3LA order in the NSW Crimes Act, which requires a person to disclose details that allow law enforcement officers to access a computer.
Mr Balkovics was charged with attempt to possess commercial quantity border controlled substance, four counts of attempt to possess marketable quantity of border controlled substance, three counts of supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), knowingly deal in proceeds of crime — $75,400 — and two counts of possess prohibited weapon.
Mr Mohammad was charged with four counts of attempt to possess commercial quantity border controlled substance, and one count of recklessly deal with the proceeds of crime.
Police will allege the ‘ice and cocaine were bound for the northern beaches, Parramatta, Macquarie Park, Chatswood and Ryde, between November 2020 and March 2021.
Northern Beaches Police Area Commander, Supt Patrick Sharkey, said outside court on Wednesday, that the alleged drugs, allegedly packaged to appear as lollies, posed a significant risk to the community, especially children.
“The manufacturing and packaging was sophisticated; and they could have easily been mistaken for the sweets they were disguised as by both children and adults,” Supt Sharkey said.
“It is very concerning given we allege the drugs were uncut and had a potency that could potentially cause serious injury or death if ingested.”
The three accused did not appear in court on Thursday and did not apply for bail.
Magistrate Alex Mijovich heard that the matters would end up being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Mijovich formally refused bail and ordered that briefs of evidence be served on the three men.
The matter will be back in Manly Local Court on May 6.
John Hopoate could face jail over latest driving charge
A notorious former NRL player, who police describe as a ‘recidivist traffic offender’, faces the prospect of 12 months’ jail for his latest serious driving charge.
Read more
Former Waterhouse family member drove to cop shop while drunk
A former member of a famous Sydney racing dynasty and cancer nurse drove to a police station while drunk after being chucked out of a late-night northern beaches nightspot.
Read more