Drugs destined for ACT seized at border

A 33-year-old Phillip man will face court today after police seized drugs with an estimated street value in excess of $3.5 million from his vehicle in a targeted traffic stop on Tuesday, 6 June 2023. 

About 3.55pm ACT Policing conducted a traffic stop on a white Ford Transit on the Barton Highway. 

As a result of this a crime scene was established and several search warrants were executed. 

A search warrant on the vehicle located a large sophisticated hydraulic concealment area within the vehicle and included: 

• More than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine 

• Encrypted mobile devices 

• Approximately 500 grams of Boric Acid, a known cutting agent 

A further search warrant on the man’s apartment in Phillip was executed and cash was seized, which police will allege to be proceeds of crime. 

The 33-year-old will face the ACT Magistrates Court today charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a controlled drug. 

Detective Inspector Mark Steel said the seizure of the drugs should serve as a warning to people trying to bring drugs into the territory.   

“ACT Policing continues to target those who try to profit from the distribution of illicit drugs and this seizure means there will be less drugs causing harm on Canberra’s streets,” Detective Inspector Steel said. 

“Drugs like methamphetamine are not social drugs; they inflict harm on the users, and lead to other violent crimes being committed.” 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070,  act-police-media@afp.gov.au