Scorpio's Lot by Ray Smithies Page A

dealers in their undercover work and then deceive the authorities by
selling these drugs. It’s what you could call the perfect cover, but with
increasing profits rivaling annual salary comes the greed to seek a greater
wealth. On the other side of the ledger, the agent will receive a bonus or
commission when he helps bust and arrest those responsible for importing a
large shipment. There are agents who can’t resist using some of their own spoils
and their whole way of life begins to transform for the worst. They become rich
dealer addicts as well and over time some of them decide to phase out their law
enforcement activities in favour of full-time dealing. There are also agents
who take vengeance against their ex-colleagues and will turn them in through
spite for having made too much profit. The whole drug world was and still is a
dingy and obscure place.’
     
    ‘But where do these drugs come
from?’ asked Chris Martino.
     
    ‘Well, by using heroin as an
example, most of the world’s supply today, in fact seventy-five percent of it,
comes from Afghanistan or neighbouring areas which serve around ninety percent
of the western market. This excludes the US. Most of theirs comes from
Columbia. In terms of distribution there are five links in the chain,
commencing with the opium farmer and progressing through to the manufacturer,
importer, dealer and finally end user. Naturally our efforts concentrate on the
latter three.’
     
    ‘Are there different types of
heroin?’ Martino asked, intrigued by the detective’s briefing.
     
    ‘Certainly. Three forms of heroin
arrive in the country - white, brown and base. White is the purist grade and
derives from the western Asian region, primarily Afghanistan as mentioned
before. This form of heroin is the most commonly seized by customs at wharves
and airports throughout the country. Brown heroin, also known as brown rock,
contains impurities introduced during the process stage, where users heat it on
tinfoil and inhale the vapours. Heroin base is simply a very low-grade form of
the drug. When we bust this local organisation it’ll most likely be the white
form of heroin we uncover.’
     
    Forbes’ mobile rang. He took a
moment to digest the contents of the text message, then looked around at his
captive audience and proceeded with the meeting.
     
    ‘To conclude, make no mistake,
the enemy in our midst is no different from what I’ve already pointed out.
Their structure and logistical operation is a highly professional and well-run
unit. We are dealing with a ruthless foe that is most likely supported by a
national syndicate which will protect their investment at any length.’ Forbes
stopped, looking around for something to quench his thirst.
     
    Marsh reinforced Forbes’
briefing. ‘So, as you can see we’re not dealing with some two-bit organisation
in this case. Our objective is to break down this regional operation, which I’m
convinced will lead us to those responsible for murdering Jake Reynolds.’
     
    ‘With regards to delegated
duties,’ Forbes said, ‘Marsh and I will continue to concentrate on these drug
issues. Burke and Martino, you’ll be reassigned to this case when required, so
for the moment you may return to local station matters.’
     
    ‘You’ll need to give me some
forewarning when I’m to release any of my men,’ Whittaker said. ‘Spur of the
moment transfers may create problems.’
     
    ‘How many officers are under your
command?’ asked Forbes.
     
    ‘Four sergeants and sixteen
constables stationed in Pedley.’
     
    ‘Then asking for only two
officers at this stage should not cause any undue distress,’ said the pompous
Forbes and then softened the arrogant remark by adding, ‘Again, I must
emphasise that this will not be a continuous necessity. It’s more likely to
operate on an as-need basis.’
     
    ‘I understand,’ acknowledged
Whittaker unconvincingly.
     
    ‘Bear in mind that should this
case escalate to the