A 13-month organised crime investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has resulted in the seizure of nine kilograms of methylamphetamine estimated to be valued at $1.73 million and a man facing multiple serious drug offences.
The CCC investigation identified a man who was believed to be transporting drugs from New South Wales into Queensland on Friday 29 April 2022.
With assistance from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Gold Coast Rapid Action Patrol Group, a targeted intercept of the man and his vehicle occurred at Mudgeeraba on Friday (29 April 2022) afternoon after he had travelled back into Queensland.
After executing a search of the vehicle, it was seized for further examination. The vehicle was transported to another location where it was searched with the assistance of Australian Border Force (ABF) officers. An x-ray of the vehicle identified a hidden compartment and further searches subsequently found nine separate one kilogram packages of methylamphetamine, a small amount of cash and drug paraphernalia.
Further search warrants were then executed by the CCC on Friday afternoon and throughout the evening on a work premises and a residential dwelling linked to the man. A number of items were seized including $15,900 cash. A search of the work premises found evidence from which it will be alleged the man is involved in large scale trafficking of dangerous drugs.
A 37-year-old Pellara man has been charged by detectives at the CCC with the following offences:
- 1 x Trafficking Dangerous Drugs, Section 5, Drugs Misuse Act 1986
- 1 x Possess Dangerous Drug exceed Schedule 4, Section 9(1) & (a), Drugs Misuse Act 1986
- 1 x Possess anything used in the commission of a crime, Section 10(1)(b), Drugs Misuse Act 1986
- 1 x Possession of Property Suspected of being Tainted, Section 252, Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002
He was denied watchhouse bail due to the seriousness of the alleged offending and was remanded in custody until he is expected to appear in the Richlands Magistrates Court on Tuesday 3 May 2022.
The CCC understands the man was also served a Notice to Appear in court by the QPS for failing a roadside drug test.
The CCC would like to acknowledge the interagency support provided by the Queensland Police Service and Australian Border Force in finalising the operation in relation to the man. This outcome shows the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work together to tackle organised crime.
As this matter is now before the court, the CCC is unable to comment further.
The CCC is an independent agency combating major crime and reducing corruption for the benefit of the Queensland community.
ENDS
