Agents of the Dominican Republic's National Drug Control Administration (DNCD) inspect more than 1,630 packets of cocaine weighing some 1,909 kgs (4,208 lbs) that they confiscated from a speed boat

Australian authorities accuse that Canadians are involved in a huge drug ring in the country. In fact, it is a Canadian who allegedly controls the international drug syndicate. They also claim that they have been able to penetrate the international syndicate which imported almost 2 tonnes of pseudoephedrine worth AUD300 million.

Three Canadians allegedly distributed 650 kg of pseudoephedrine to underground meth labs. The police seized the amount in Melbourne last month. The substance was hidden in jars containing vanilla power. The chemical which is used to produce crystal meth allegedly came from India.

The Australian Federal Police informed on Monday that 8 Canadians, along with 2 Australians, had been arrested during Operation Diamondback; according to the Australian Associated Press. The investigation went on for 18 months. None of them, however, was identified by the police.

The 3 Canadians who were arrested on Sunday included two men, Edmond Proko (46) and James Kelsey (27); and a woman, Catherine McNaughton (30). Proko tried to board a Sydney plane in Melbourne while she was arrested. He was supposed to fly in a connecting plane that would have taken him to his native country, Canada.

The other two were arrested separately after a search warrant against them had been issued. If these three are found to be guilty, there is enough possibility that they might face imprisonment for life. The maximum punishment for such offense is life imprisonment along with a fine of $850,000.

The police informed that the three people who were arrested were actually 'syndicate members' who were actively involved with the drug distribution ring. They tried to hide pseudoephedrine with vanilla powder. Jonathan Nicholl, the office manager of Australian Crime Commission Melbourne, said that the crime groups were highly organised as well as experienced. They research and plan extensively before executing the same.

Pseudoephedrine is generally found in allergy and cold medicines. On the other hand, it can be used to produce meth as well.