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Hells Angels link to drug
haul
By Nigel Hunt
11 February 2004
THE Hells Angels outlaw
motorcycle gang has been linked to the state's biggest haul of
pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient of illegal amphetamine
production.
George Katsambas, 31, of Mile End - who appeared in Adelaide Magistrate's Court yesterday charged over the record haul - is not a gang member. But it is understood police have evidence linking him to bikies - in SA and interstate - involved in amphetamines production.
Katsambas was charged with knowingly producing and possessing methylamphetamine, possessing $336,000 of "tainted" cash and illegally possessing the prescription drug pseudoephdrine, a component in the production of speed.
His court appearance followed raids by Avatar Outlaw Motorcycle Gang detectives on Monday last week in which police seized a record haul of drug-making chemicals, preventing more than $36 million worth of speed reaching city streets.
Police Commissioner Mal Hyde yesterday declined to elaborate on the involvement of outlaw motorcycle gangs because of ongoing investigations, although he confirmed that "we believe there are links". Mr Hyde yesterday revealed details of the seizure, made by Avatar detectives as part of a long operation.
The seizure was made at a house in Anglin Ave, Blair Athol, allegedly rented to house an amphetamines laboratory.
After finding the laboratory, the detectives discovered;
80.77kg of pseudoephedrine tablets in plastic bags in a cupboard.
1.5kg of methylamphetamine paste in a small freezer.
125g of crystal methamphetamine, which is known in the drug market as "Ice".
$336,000 in cash in $50 and $100 notes, hidden in the ceiling.
Police also found appliances, including a television, set to a timer designed to give neighbours or visitors the impression the house was occupied.
Police believe the pseudoephedrine tablets would have been used to manufacture methamphetamine paste at another location and some of that further refined into crystal methamphetamine at the Blair Athol house. Mr Hyde said the discovery was part of a major drug making operation catering to the popularity of the especially potent crystal methamphetamine.
`This was an operation that appeared to be quite interesting, because it appeared to be converting the paste into crystal methamphetamine," he said.
"This seizure reinforces some concerns we have had relating to the more potent forms of amphetamine substances which are coming on to the market in SA," he said.
"The more potent forms do concern us, because there are serious implications for the health of people who use them."
The origin of the seized pseudoephedrine tablets was not known.
Magistrate Grantley Harris yesterday remanded Katsambas in custody until Friday for a bail hearing.
Meanwhile, three men have been released on police bail following the discovery of a 6000-plant cannabis nursery at Eudunda on Monday night.
The men, aged 41, 35 and 31, were released on police bail to appear in the Tanunda Magistrates Court in April
