Two men will face court today charged after $15 million worth of methylamphetamine was seized following a police pursuit in the state's south.
About 10.15am yesterday (Thursday 16 February 2023), officers from Riverina Highway Patrol detected a Kia Carnival passenger van allegedly travelling 144km/hr in a 110km/hr zone on the Hume Highway at Tumblong.
Police stopped the vehicle to speak with the driver, a 30-year-old man, who underwent a roadside drug test.
When he allegedly returned a positive result, and police attempted to arrest him, the driver sped away from the scene and a police pursuit commenced.
The vehicle came to a stop after tyre spikes were deployed near Attwood Road, Burra Creek, and the driver and his passenger, a 27-year-old man, allegedly ran from the vehicle into a nearby paddock.
Following a short foot pursuit, the men were arrested nearby and taken to Cootamundra Police Station.
Police searched the Kia van and seized 60kg of methylamphetamine, a rifle magazine, and ammunition to undergo forensic examination.
The prohibited drugs have an estimated potential street value of $15 million.
The 30-year-old man was charged with supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed, drive motor vehicle while license suspended, and escape police custody.
The 27-year-old man was charged with supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug.
The two men, both from Queensland, were refused bail to appear at Young Local Court today (Friday 17 February 2023).
Inquiries are continuing.
