Accused Melbourne Lego drug dealer John ‘Johnny’ Booth charged with trafficking meth
An accused drug dealer who allegedly stashed $600,000 in drugs in a Lego collection took to social media to show off his stash of cash and fancy bling.
Bass Coast News
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An accused Melbourne trafficker who allegedly stashed drugs inside a massive Lego collection posted about his love for bling and cash on social media.
John ‘Johnny’ Booth, 46, fronted Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of 1,4 butanediol.
Booth, who was also charged with trafficking meth, was allegedly caught with drugs hidden in a massive Lego collection.
Police alleged simultaneous raids on properties at Morwell, Essendon North, Brunswick and South Melbourne uncovered a huge Lego collection concealing an arsenal of drugs and more.
It’s alleged the Fawkner Divisional Response Unit police search revealed 180kg of bute estimated to be worth $600,000.
Bute, also known as ‘liquid fantasy’, is a GHB-mirror drug linked to dance party overdoses and date rape.
Booth, of Morwell, was also allegedly nabbed with 34kg of iodine and 32kg of hypophosphorous acid – ingredients used in methamphetamine production.
Police alleged the iodine and hypophosphorous acid had the potential to cook 20kg of methamphetamines with an estimated $2m street value.
Booth was also allegedly pinched with steroids, cocaine, various prescription drugs, firearm ammunition, rubber slingshots, an extendable baton and a gun.
Booth, who showed off his cash and bling on social media, was also allegedly nabbed with three Breitling watches, A Gucci watch, a BVLGARI watch and a gold Rolex all suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
Police also seized a 74 box Lego collection suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
Fawkner divisional response unit detective acting Sergeant Brad Hobbs, after the January raids, said drug offenders often imported industrial products to sell for enormous profit.
“Overwhelmingly what users believe is GHB is actually 1,4-butanediol,” he said.
“The drug can be unpredictable and the difference between survival and a fatal overdose can be very small.”
Sergeant Hobbs said the harm to the community would be “enormous”.
“There is absolutely no safe amount to ingest,” he said.
“That’s why we’re committed to removing it from unintended hands.”
Booth, who appeared via videolink from Port Phillip Prison will front court at a later date.