A father-and-son duo, Frank Amadeus Milosevic, 56, and his son Slobodan, have been found guilty of running a drug empire in a small town in Bay of Plenty, generating approximately $2 million from their illegal activities. Frank, the president of the local Mongrel Mob chapter, was the focus of a police investigation dubbed Operation Notus in 2018. He received a sentence of 16½ years for serious methamphetamine trafficking and cannabis cultivation, while Slobodan was sentenced to 14 years and 9 months on similar charges. As a result of their convictions, both men are at risk of losing their family homes, including one that Frank inherited prior to his involvement in drug dealing, unless they successfully appeal the ruling.
Why It Matters
This case highlights the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime in New Zealand, particularly the influence of gangs like the Mongrel Mob. The drug trade remains a significant issue, contributing to broader societal problems such as addiction and violence. Law enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on disrupting drug operations, as seen in the 2018 Operation Notus investigation, which aimed to dismantle the local networks involved in serious drug offenses. The financial penalties imposed on convicted gang members, including asset forfeiture, serve as a deterrent against drug-related crimes and underline the legal system’s efforts to combat organized crime.
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