FORMER Olympian Nathan Baggaley was last night charged with being involved in an alleged criminal syndicate planning to supply thousands of ecstasy tablets to Schoolies revellers.
In a development that will confirm the worst fears of parents worried about drugs at Schoolies, police claim the 28,500 ecstasy tablets were destined for the Gold Coast party week.
As Baggaley and his brother Dru were interviewed last night, police detailed how they cracked the alleged syndicate and prevented the ecstasy reaching end-of-school revellers.
In the past four months police have seized ecstasy worth $1.4 million and enough MDMA powder to make $1.1 million worth of the drug. NSW Police drug chief Detective Superintendent Greig Newbery said thousands of Schoolies revellers were at risk.
"There is little doubt that these illicit drugs were destined for sale to teenagers on holiday after completing their HSC exams," he said.
Byron Bay police commander Superintendent Michael Kenny said: "The peddling of illicit drugs, particularly to young people, will not be tolerated."
Police arrested seven men as they allegedly drove around northern NSW, the Central Coast and Queensland with thousands of ecstasy tablets or powder.
In raids on 10 properties, which coincided with the arrests of Baggaley and his brother, police allegedly uncovered a pill press and cash yesterday. Police were continuing to search the properties last night.
Just two weeks ago Baggaley wrote on his website under the heading Drugs, Sex and Rock 'n' Roll that he was getting back on track after being disqualified from kayaking for two years.
Baggaley was last night charged with making and supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and with possessing a tablet press. A 25-year-old Suffolk Park man was also charged last night with a raft of drug offences.
Both men were refused bail and are due to appear in Lismore Local Court today.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599...01-421,00.html
24-11-2007, 01:35
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