Thread: Top crimefighter-turned-alleged drug conspirator

Standen, 51, a former federal police officer and an assistant director at the NSW Crime Commission, was charged earlier this month over an alleged multi-million dollar conspiracy to import 600kg of pseudoephedrine - enough to make $120 million of the drug ice.

At his bail hearing police facts tendered to court said Standen, who was sacked two weeks ago, had maintained relationships with organised crime figures he knew through his role at the NSW Crime Commission.

As assistant director of investigations Standen wrote to authorities on behalf of convicted multi-million dollar drug smugglers Ian Hall Saxon and James Henry Kinch to appeal for their early release from jail, News Limited reported.

Federal Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus confirmed he signed Saxon's sixth-month early release after being told the man had "provided substantial assistance to authorities" by Standen.

"I made the decision before I became aware of the serious allegations about Mark Standen," Mr Debus told News Ltd."If any criminal activity has taken place in relation to Standen's recommendation in this matter, the full force of the law will be applied."

It is understood Standen also recommended Kinch be released, the paper reported.

He is now in custody again in Thailand charged with conspiring to import drugs with Standen.

Former NSW crimefighter helped prisoners - Breaking News - National - Breaking News

Thais to extradite drugs suspect to Australia

A Thai court has ruled that a British man should be extradited to Australia to face drug-related conspiracy charges.

James Henry Kinch, 50, was arrested in Thailand last year.

He was caught in a worldwide sting against a syndicate accused of importing more than 600 kilograms of pseudoephedrine into Australia.

Pseudoephedrine is the main ingredient in the illegal drug ice.

Kinch has 30 days to appeal against the decision.

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Saw this on the TV...he was of course protesting his innocence. Had a nice swine flu mask on.