Byron Bay: Multi-agency police bust nabs $5.5 million worth of MDMA headed for WA, NSW

Police in two states have executed a huge drug bust after a year long investigation and in the process secured nearly $5.5 million worth of MDMA headed for NSW and WA.

Armed officers working for the NSW and QLD police services have arrested three people and seized over $5.5 million worth of MDMA as part of the multi-agency investigation into the manufacturing and mass supply of illicit drugs.

In March 2024, officers attached to State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad and Lake Illawarra Police District – with the assistance of the NSW Crime Commission, Australian Border Force (ABF) and Queensland Police Service – commenced an investigation under Strike Force Culti into the manufacturing and supply of MDMA in eastern Australia.

In June 2024, seven people were charged and remain before the courts with further inquiries identifying that a 26-year-old drug manufacturer for the syndicate had relocated to Queensland, where police will allege he produced over 40 kilograms of MDMA bound for New South Wales and Western Australia.

At around 8.45pm on Thursday February 20, the 26-year-old man was arrested in Byron Bay.

During a search of the man’s vehicle, police located $9,400 in cash and 28.2kg of MDMA with an estimated street value of more than $4.5 million dollars.

The 26-year-old was taken to Byron Bay Police Station, where he was charged with 17 offences relating to the manufacture and supply of large commercial quantities of drugs.

He was refused bail and appeared in Murwillumbah Local Court on Friday February 21, where he was formally refused bail to next appear in Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday April 14, 2025.

Queensland Police detectives with assistance from NSW Police then executed nine simultaneous search warrants where they located seven clandestine laboratories on the Gold Coast, and at addresses at North McLean and Laidley.

Police seized an additional eight kilograms of MDMA and half a kilogram of cocaine, along with a large quantity of cash and gold and silver bullion.

Detectives also seized mass amounts of chemicals and powders that would have been directly used for further production of dangerous drugs including MDMA, in what police will allege were industrial size laboratories.

Queensland Police’s Drug and Serious Crime Group arrested and charged a 40-year-old man.

He was remanded in custody and appeared before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday February 25.

A 36-year-old woman was charged in relation to the labs and received a notice to appear at a later date.

Commander of NSWPF State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad, Detective Acting Superintendent Virginia Gorman, said results of this scale are made possible by working with partner agencies.

“This was a job that spanned the entire country – from NSW to QLD and WA. Working with our partner agencies, we were able to not only take down one of the alleged drug cooks, but two more of his associates, and seven of the syndicate’s labs.”

“The dangers of MDMA cannot be overstated and its removal from our streets through operations like this one is vital to protecting our communities.”

QPS Crime and Intelligence Command, Detective Acting Superintendent David Briese from the Drug and Serious Crime Group stated the joint operation will cause a significant dent in the drug operations within Queensland and across other states.

“Dismantling clandestine laboratories and seizing commercial drug equipment, chemicals and powders - which are capable of producing significant amounts of MDMA - is a real win for the community and police,” Supt Briese said.

“Clandestine laboratories of any size pose a significant risk of serious harm to community members due to their volatility.

“We urge the community to report any suspicious activity to Crimestoppers or Policelink so that we can continue to keep Queensland safe and hold these offenders who are responsible for the unlawful supply of dangerous drugs to account”.

Investigations under Strike Force Culti continue.