Vic: Police operation nets ecstasy base potentially worth $2 billion

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2001
Vic: Police operation nets ecstasy base potentially worth $2 billion

Victorian police have cracked a major drug network, seizing 550 kilograms of ephedrine
that has a potential street value of almost $2 billion.

The ephedrine was found hidden in a consignment of ceramic tiles in a shipping container.

Police say the chemical has a wholesale value of $10 million, but when converted to
pseudo-ecstasy tablets it would have a street value of close to $2 billion.

The 10-month-old Operation Kayak is the biggest drug-busting strike in Victorian history.

Police Commander ROD LAMBERT says police are convinced they are catching the major
players in the drug scene.

Police arrested eight people overnight and they are expected to be charged later this afternoon.

AAP RTV svm/gfr/wjf/jh

KEYWORD: KAYAK (MELBOURNE)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.