Random breath test leads to ‘big haul’ worth about $200,000

POLICE have described the arrest of a suspected drug runner in Hillston on Wednesday as a “big haul”, with almost 2kg of amphetamines taken off the streets.

Fourty-nine-year-old Victorian man Romeo Capitanio was pulled over by police for a random breath test on High Street, but after giving police a false name, aroused suspicion and had his car searched.

A total of 1748g of amphetamine and crystal methylamphetamine (ice), with an estimated street value of $200,000, was found to be in his possession, as well as two variants of viagra – kamagra and cialia also know as generic viagra, a large amount of cash and over 100 rounds of ammunition.

Police also discovered a metal case hidden in the vehicle’s roof storage compartment, which contained electric scales, resealable plastic bags, latex gloves and two bags of glucose.

A plastic bag containing 138 lots of 5g satchels of kamagra and 148 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition were also found. Contained in Capitanio’s wallet was a 20mg tablet of cialis and $3026.50 in cash.Police suspect the money was the proceeds of drug supply or that it was to be used in the commission of drug-related offences. The commercial quantity of amphetamine was possibly heading to either Sydney or Brisbane.

Griffith local area commander Inspector Tony Reneker said although the area was not part of a well-known drug-running route, outstanding police work had lead to the major bust.

“It is a big haul because of the amount of the drug found and how dangerous it is,” Inspector Reneker said.
“It was the result of outstanding police work.“We believe the man was travelling interstate and was planning to distribute it in one of the major cities.”

After making partial admissions in police interviews on Wednesday, Capitanio was yesterday refused bail by Griffith bail court and will front Wagga local court today on eight charges.Police have made an application to confiscate Capitanio’s assets.

Source: Riverinamediagroup