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Former top Ozzie cop jailed 22 years

A former senior Australian policeman, now disgraced, received a 22-year prison sentence yesterday for his attempt to import a substantial quantity of drugs from Pakistan into the country.

Mark Standen, aged 54, served as the assistant director at the New South Wales (NSW) Crime Commission, where overseeing drug trafficking investigations was a major part of his duties. His arrest took place at his desk back in 2008.

Justice Bruce James stated during the sentencing at the NSW Supreme Court that Standen had exploited his 30 years of experience and inside information regarding Australian drug law agencies to carry out his crimes.

“A significant factor that aggravated the prisoner’s criminal behavior was the exploitation of the knowledge and contacts amassed throughout his career in law enforcement, as well as the misuse of his role within the NSW Crime Commission,” he remarked.

 

Prior to his position with the Crime Commission, Standen, who is a father of four, worked for the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs Service.

He was found guilty of conspiring to import 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of pseudoephedrine—an ingredient used in the production of the drugs speed and ice—concealed within a shipment of rice from Pakistan, although that shipment never reached Australia.

Additionally, Standen was convicted for knowingly participating in the supply of a large volume of illegal drugs and for conspiring to obstruct justice.

The offenses were committed between January 2006 and June 2008, with the judge indicating that greed motivated his actions. He will be eligible for parole after serving 16 years.

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