Hume Highway, Victoria: Police say $14m cocaine bust deals ‘massive hit’ to alleged drug syndicate
Victoria police have charged two men and seized 40kg of cocaine after intercepting a vehicle on the Hume Highway north of Melbourne.
A detective from the major drug squad stopped the vehicle in Kalkallo at around 6.20am on Tuesday, 16 September, as it was being driven back from the NSW border.
A search of the car that the men were driving allegedly uncovered 40kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of $14 million.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The driver, a 19-year-old man from Noble Park, and a 20-year-old man from Hampton Park were both charged with trafficking and possessing a large commercial quantity of cocaine.
The pair were remanded overnight and are expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
Police will allege the men were using vehicles to transport illicit drugs interstate on behalf of a wider syndicate. The investigation remains ongoing.
Detective Inspector Jamie Walker from the major drug squad said the seizure was a significant blow to organised crime.
“Illicit drugs are destructive to so many individuals and the communities around them. They have immense human and economic costs, including domestic violence, property crime, gun crime, financial crime, and violence follow the use, manufacture and supply of illicit drugs.
“Through large-scale drug seizures like the one highlighted this week, we prevent the profits from these drugs from being invested back into the criminal activities of those involved.
“There is no doubt that this syndicate will take a massive monetary hit as a result of this outcome, which is crucial for us as we work to target these syndicates in any and every way possible.
“Drug offences are a key focus for Victoria Police right across the organisation. We have zero tolerance for those bringing harm to our community by importing and trafficking drugs of any type.”
Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or lodge a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
