Massive NSW and QLD police bust nets over $9.2 million in drugs, cash and guns

Matt Shrivell
The Nightly
Some of the drugs were inside supermarket shopping bags.
Some of the drugs were inside supermarket shopping bags. Credit: NSW police.

Police in two states have intercepted a massive drug haul and busted the alleged ringleaders carting cocaine, MDMA, guns and money in shopping bags and suitcases.

NSW and Queensland police have released images after seizing millions of dollars worth of drugs and cash following a joint investigation into the interstate supply of prohibited drugs.

In August 2024, officers attached to the NSW police 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.

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During the investigation, strike force officers identified that a criminal syndicate operating in both states had made multiple interstate drug runs across eastern Australia.

Cash, drugs and guns were seized in the raids.
Cash, drugs and guns were seized in the raids. Credit: NSW police.

Following extensive investigations, strike force officers intercepted a Gold Coast delivery containing 25kg of cocaine and 5kg of MDMA last Thursday.

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.

Guns, drugs and cash were all seized.
Guns, drugs and cash were all seized. Credit: NSW police.

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 supplying prohibited drugs in large commercial quantities, participating in criminal groups contributing to criminal activity, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and failing to comply with digital evidence access order direction.

A large amount of cocaine was seized in the raids.
A large amount of cocaine was seized in the raids. Credit: NSW police.

The 53-year-old was charged with two counts of supplying prohibited drugs in large commercial quantities, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime greater than $5000 and participating in criminal groups contributing to criminal activity.

Both men were refused bail and appeared before Sutherland Local Court.

The 26-year-old man arrested in Queensland was charged with dealing in proceeds of crime etc money or property worth $1 million 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.

He was refused bail and appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court. Combined interstate investigations under Strike Force Oshawa are continuing.

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