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Australian police, Federal Bureau of Investigation bust ‘international drug ring’

The three men arrested in Sydney have been bailed to appear at Sydney courts at later dates. He was charged with two counts of money laundering.

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Music promoter Andrew McManus was arrested in Melbourne last night.

The investigation into the five individuals began when Mr Han’s former business partner, Sydney-based racehorse trainer-turned personal trainer Sean Carolan, was discovered in possession of the $702,000 suitcase in August 2011. The Supreme Court, however, found in favour of the police and investigations continued.

Andrew McManus, pictured with Chris Isaak in 2008, has been responsible for bringing Isaak, Aerosmith, KISS, Lenny Kravitz.

Andrew McManus was one of five men arrested as part of an investigation into the alleged trafficking of several hundred kilograms of cocaine between Mexico, the USA and Australia, as well as money laundering.

McManus is the promoter for the upcoming KISS tour in Australia, due to start in Perth on October 3 via his current operation One World Entertainment.

The raids allegedly netted $A68,000 in cash, drugs, steroids, documents and electronic equipment.

McManus has been charged with perverting the course of justice, two counts of intention to defraud by false or misleading statement and knowingly participating in a criminal group.

The operation also uncovered information regarding the alleged importation of 300kg of cocaine from Mexico to Australia via the US.

New South Wales police said only that a 54-year-old had been charged with perverting the course of justice, having the intention to defraud by providing a false or misleading statement, and knowingly participating in a criminal group.

The 65-year-old man was charged with perverting the course of justice, three counts of intention to defraud by false or misleading statement, and knowingly participate in criminal group.

Australian police said they would seek the extradition of the man arrested in the United States, who is a citizen of that country, on allegations of money laundering, drug supply and other offences.

“The $702,000 was intended to go to a professional gambler who was working out of The Star casino”, head of the Organised Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Scott Cook, said.

A number of search warrants were executed, with officers seizing cash, gold, silver, cannabis and documentation.

“The commitment made by the detectives and others involved in this investigation has been outstanding; they never lost focus on the job at hand”, Det Supt Cook said.

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“Whilst this presents us with challenges, those who undertake these activities need to understand that being outside the jurisdiction will not save you”.

New South Wales police said the case dates back to 2011