Police discover two massive hauls of illegal vapes and cash in random highway road blitz near Gundagai

A police operation has netted an incredible haul of illegal vapes totalling over 11,000 and over $270,000 in cash.

The raids occurred during two road stops in the south of NSW, during Police Operation Furious.

Around 8pm on Tuesday, officers attached to Riverina Highway Patrol were patrolling the Hume Highway, Gundagai, as part of Operation Furious, when they pulled over a Mazda, with Victorian number plates.

Police searched the vehicle and allegedly seized nine boxes containing 3600 vapes, with an estimated street value of $126,000.

A 23-year-old man was arrested and taken to Gundagai Police Station and issued with a field court attendance notice for goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained.

He will appear before Gundagai Local Court on Friday 16 August 2024.

Later that night, around 11.30pm, police attached to Riverina Highway Patrol were conducting random breath testing on the Hume Highway, Gundagai, when they pulled over a Mercedes Sprinter van.

Police searched the vehicle and allegedly seized 38 boxes containing 7,500 vapes with an estimated street value of $262,500 and $274,450 in cash. They also found a man sleeping on a mattress in the rear of the van.

The 42-year-old male driver and the 29-year-old male passenger, both Chinese nationals, were arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station.

The men were charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime of $5000, goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen (not motor vehicle) and restricted substance sold by non-wholesaler. The driver was also issued an infringement notice for an unrestrained passenger.

They were refused bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday 19 June 2024).