The downfall of a significant drug ring in Melbourne, culminating in the murder and dismemberment of one of its members, arose from unpaid rent, as presented in court.
In July 2011, a real estate agent discovered a drug lab inside a Canterbury home while investigating a delayed rent payment.
After police conducted a raid on the property, they confiscated nearly 1000 grams of pure methylamphetamine, alongside various chemicals and equipment.
The Victorian Supreme Court heard that Brok Seckold, the orchestrator of the drug operation, mistakenly believed his cook, Yengo Faugere, had both stolen the drugs and alerted law enforcement.
Prosecutor Darryl Brown indicated that Seckold and his deputy, Matthew Lowe, 25, plotted the kidnapping and murder of Faugere as an act of vengeance.
Lowe, who resides in Reservoir, has entered a not guilty plea regarding the charges of kidnapping and murder.
During a raid at another one of Seckold’s drug labs in St Leonards, a seaside town, police discovered parts of Faugere’s remains inside a barrel located in the back of a ute in February 2012.
According to Mr. Brown, Lowe had acquired the ute months prior, utilizing a fake identification.
Additionally, he was allegedly accompanied by other associates from the drug ring when they rented a van and purchased a boat that was later reportedly used in the abduction, murder, and disposal of Faugere, as stated by Mr. Brown.
While Mr. Brown acknowledged the circumstantial nature of the evidence against Lowe, he emphasized that it remained unclear precisely who was responsible for Faugere’s death and the methods employed.
However, he argued that Lowe participated in a collective criminal venture with Seckold and others to execute Faugere on October 20, 2011.
Originally from Sydney, 22-year-old Faugere had met Seckold before relocating to Melbourne in 2010, where he worked in his extensive and advanced drug operation, the court was informed.
Allegations persist that after Faugere’s death, Seckold sent a text message to an associate, inquiring about how to dispose of a body, and received a reply suggesting sodium hydroxide.
Defence attorney Damian Sheales contended that there was no connection linking his client to the kidnapping or murder.
He pointed out the absence of evidence regarding the circumstances of Faugere’s death, including who was responsible, the timing of the act, and who was present at the scene.
The trial is ongoing.
