The National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) has charged a Gold Coast man with importing 1kg of cocaine and possessing 1kg of methamphetamine.
The Surfers Paradise man, 56, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court today, 19 April 2023, over the 2022 importation.
The investigation began in November 2022 after the Australian Border Force (ABF) allegedly found the illicit drugs in an air cargo consignment in Sydney, sent from the Philippines.
As a result of ongoing inquiries, NAGS, comprising of AFP and Queensland Police Service members, conducted a search warrant at an apartment on 18 April 2023.
During a search of the man's Gold Coast apartment it will be alleged $6,000 in cash was located as well as 1kg of methamphetamine and 300 grams of cocaine.
He has been charged with seven offences, including;
- Two counts of importing and exporting a marketable quantity of a border controlled drugs, contrary to sections 307.2 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
- One count of attempting to import and export a marketable quantity of a border controlled drugs, contrary to sections 11.1 and 307.2 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
- One count of possessing border controlled drugs, contrary to sections 307.10 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
- One count of possessing tainted property, contrary to sections 252(1) of the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002;
- One count of possessing anything for use in the commission of a crime contrary to sections 10(1)(a) of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 and;
- One count of possessing dangerous drugs contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986
The maximum penalty is 25 years' imprisonment.
The man was granted bail and is next due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on 3 July 2023.
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer said disrupting the supply of illicit drugs, including cocaine, was vital to combatting organised crime and reducing the harm to at-risk Australians.
"The demand for cocaine in Australia is at the forefront of our battle with organised crime; criminal syndicates see a big dollar sign over Australia and try to profit from that demand," he said.
"As a community, we need to address the risks associated with illicit drug use; reduce the harm, demand and ultimately the profit going back to organised crime."
"The AFP works closely with its law enforcement partners to identify these criminal groups and bring them to justice."
ABF Commander Sue Drennan said that today's charge highlighted how the ABF is committed to protecting the Australian community by making the border a hostile environment against criminal activity.
"Every day, our highly trained officers make detections at the border and work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in these criminal activities are brought to justice," Commander Drennan said.
"The ABF will never rest in our vigorous pursuit of those attempting to illegally import narcotics - and criminals can expect to face the full legal consequences for their actions.".
The NAGS is continuing its investigation into this importation and the potential uses of this substance. Further arrests have not been ruled out.
The National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) was established in 2014 as a multi-agency law enforcement taskforce targeting organised criminal syndicates, including those involving members of outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG). NAGS comprises of members from the AFP and state police forces, as well as members from the Australian Taxation Office.
