A major drug operation has been uncovered, with authorities seizing an impressive 100 kilograms of cocaine hidden within wooden planks. This sophisticated smuggling method, involving the impregnation of cocaine into timber, was planned by a criminal syndicate operating in both New South Wales and Queensland. The syndicate's activities were traced to storage sheds in Lismore and Molendinar, where the planks were stored. The discovery of the cocaine was facilitated by a tip-off and an investigation that began in August last year. During the operation, police found photos and videos of the cocaine-impregnated planks on the mobile phone of a 33-year-old man arrested in Kingsford, Sydney, in January. This individual had allegedly flown from Ballina to Sydney to collect the prohibited drugs, and was found in possession of two kilograms of cocaine and almost $7,000 in cash at the time of his arrest. The phone, along with over 700 grams of cocaine and almost $400,000 in cash, was discovered in a duffel bag in his car at Ballina airport. The investigation led to the arrest of four men aged between 42 and 55 in Queensland, who were charged with producing dangerous drugs and possessing a cocaine press. A 33-year-old man was also arrested at Ocean Shores on the NSW Far North Coast and charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of drugs and knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group. The NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson emphasized the significant planning involved in the alleged crimes, while Queensland Police Acting Detective Superintendent Brad Phelps highlighted the unique concealment method, which had not been detected in Queensland before. The case demonstrates the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and the evolving strategies employed by criminal groups.
