Customs and Border Protection Media Release

Up to 25 years imprisonment for largest ecstasy seizure in WA - 24 March 2010

Joint media release with the Australian Crime Commission

Four men have been sentenced in Perth’s Supreme Court for up to 25 years each, for their role in the largest MDMA (ecstasy) seizure recorded in Western Australian history.

Rade Ljuboja was sentenced for importing a commercial quantity of MDMA, and conspiracy to traffic a commercial quantity of MDMA and was sentenced to 25 years on each charge, to be served concurrently, with a non parole period of 16 years.

The other three men were sentenced for conspiracy to traffic a commercial quantity of MDMA. Fabian Quaid was sentenced to 17 years, with a non parole period of 10.5 years; Dejan Medan was sentenced to 14 years, with a non parole period of 8.5 years; and Dimitrios Papadimtriou was sentenced to 17 years, with a non parole period of 10.5 years.

In May 2008, the four men were arrested as the result of a joint agency taskforce operation involving the Australian Federal Police, Western Australia Police, Australian Crime Commission and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, which prevented the manufacture and supply of more than 350,000 ecstasy tablets.

After an investigation into the importation of 60 kilograms of powdered MDMA into Western Australia, syndicate members were closely monitored and investigators uncovered a drug lab operation estimated at $24 million, being set up to distribute ecstasy tablets across Australia.

Australian Crime Commission, Chief Executive Officer, John Lawler said the lengthy sentences highlighted successful cooperation between state, federal and international law enforcement partners and our ability to use targeted intelligence and resources to stay one step ahead of the criminals.

“Combating international drug smuggling requires high-level partnerships such as those displayed in this operation, resulting in the dismantling of this significant drug syndicate,” Mr Lawler said.

Customs and Border Protection Service, Chief Executive Officer, Michael Carmody said, “The sentences handed down reflected the very damaging social and health consequences, if such a large drug operation had been allowed to infiltrate Australian communities.”

Media inquiries: ACC Media 0409 603 637, Customs Media (02) 6275 6793.