Newcastle Police

Large Drug Bust North of Newcastle: Two Men Arrested with 9kg of Cocaine

today17 October 2024

Background

 

Two men have been charged after police discovered 9 kilograms of cocaine during a vehicle stop on the Pacific Highway near Forster, North of Newcastle. The arrests were made yesterday morning (16 October 2024) when officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, alongside the Organised Crime Squad, searched a white campervan at Nabiac, about 25km north-west of Forster.

During the search, police found three mobile phones, including one believed to be a Dedicated Encrypted Criminal Communication Device (DECCD), which is often used in organised crime networks. Inside a duffle bag, nine vacuum-sealed kilograms of cocaine were also uncovered.

The two occupants of the vehicle, aged 20 and 19, were arrested and taken to Forster Police Station. Both were charged with supplying a prohibited drug in quantities that exceed the large commercial threshold. Police allege the men rented the campervan in Brisbane, intending to travel to Sydney to collect the drugs before returning to Brisbane.

Both men were refused bail and are set to appear at Forster Local Court today, 17 October 2024.

Strike Force Dewhirst, led by the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, continues to investigate the transportation of illicit drugs across state borders, with a particular focus on encrypted communication devices used to coordinate these activities. The investigation remains active.

Anyone with information regarding organised crime or drug trafficking is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Written by: Newy Staff


Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.

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