NSW and Queensland police seize millions of dollars' worth of cocaine and MDMA in joint operation
Tuesday, 15 October 2024 09:20:03 AM
PLEASE NOTE: NSWPF-branded vision of the items seized is available via Hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/HbthLqcsFp
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NSW and Queensland police have seized millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine, MDMA and cash following a joint investigation into the interstate supply of prohibited drugs.
In August 2024, officers attached to NSW Police Force’s State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad and Queensland Police Service launched an investigation into the transportation of prohibited drugs around eastern Australia under Strike Force Oshawa.
During the investigation, strike force officers identified that a criminal syndicate operating in both states had made multiple interstate drug runs across eastern Australia.
Following extensive investigations, strike force officers intercepted a Gold Coast delivery containing 25kg of cocaine and 5kg of MDMA on Thursday 10 October 2024.
All drugs were seized for forensic examination and have a combined estimated street value of $9.2 million.
Following further investigations, strike force officers executed multiple search warrants at homes in Caringbah and Rocklea in Queensland, about 7.50am the same day.
During the searches, police located and seized between the two properties over $3 million in cash, a Glock pistol, a kilo of MDMA, four luxury watches and small amounts of other prohibited drugs.
Following the searches, two men – aged 26 and 53 – were arrested on General Homes Drive, Brighton Le Sands, during a vehicle stop.
At the same time a 26-year-old man was arrested at the Rocklea property.
The 26-year-old NSW man was charged with four counts of supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.
The 53-year-old was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime greater than $5000 and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Both men were refused bail and appeared before Sutherland Local Court on Friday 11 October 2024.
The 26-year-old man arrested in Queensland was charged with dealing in proceeds of crime etc money or property worth $1,000,000 or more, unlawful possession of weapons Category D/H/R weapon, authority required to possess explosives and possession of anything for use in the commission of crime defined in Part 2.
He was refused bail and appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday 11 October 2024.
Combined interstate investigations under Strike Force Oshawa continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.