A man will appear in court today charged after he allegedly attempted to cross into Queensland from NSW with 145kgs of cannabis in his vehicle.
About 8.50pm yesterday (Thursday 19 August 2021), officers from Tweed/Byron Police District were called to a border checkpoint on Griffith Street, Coolangatta, by Queensland Police Service, following concerns regarding a man that was attempting to cross the border for a second time that day.
The 48-year-old man – who was driving a Mercedes Sprinter van – told police he was transporting goods and had travelled from South Australia but could not provide a valid permit.
Subsequent inquiries revealed the man was from Greater Sydney. He was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads District Hospital for COVID testing.
The vehicle was seized and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station.
During a search of the vehicle, police located 145kgs of cannabis in vacuum sealed bags that was concealed inside two large hot water systems and a toolbox.
The cannabis has an estimated potential street value of $1.2million.
Police also seized two mobiles phones, a knife, and other documentation. All items will undergo further testing.
After receiving a negative result, the man was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), custody of knife in public place, not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19, travel from metropolitan Sydney to NSW outside area.
He was refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court today (Friday 20 August 2021).
