A number of firearms and weapons seized by ACT Policing. Photos: Supplied.
ACT Policing says it has made a massive dent in the local drug trade following the arrest of a 37-year-old man they allege is responsible for trafficking large amounts of illegal drugs in Canberra.
As part of what was described as a “comprehensive investigation”, ACT Policing seized a large amount of cash, drugs, firearms and other property suspected of being the proceeds of crime during the execution of search warrants at five premises across a number of suburbs in the Tuggeranong area yesterday (8 December).
ACT Policing Detective Sergeant John Giles said the amount of property seized means police have made an impact on the local drug trade.
A luxury car and motorbike seized as part of the investigation.
“What we saw yesterday was a drug dealer with houses full of luxury items, bought with money they’ve made off other people’s drug use,” Detective Sergeant Giles said.
“The investigation in this case was comprehensive. The more we looked, the more we discovered and yesterday it was time to take the next step in our investigation.
“To remove hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of drugs from Canberra and confiscate hundreds of thousands of dollars of the proceeds of crime takes this result to another level.”
The arrested man will face the ACT Magistrates Court on charges including trafficking in a prescribed drug other than cannabis and possession of property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
“If you’re dealing drugs in Canberra, we’ll arrest you and seize your drugs. We’ll confiscate anything you’ve bought with drug money, and we’ll put you before the courts,” Det Sgt Giles said.
Commemorative coins that police will allege were stolen from the Royal Australian Mint.
Yesterday’s warrants were executed in Gordon, Hume, Chisholm, and on two premises in Calwell, and among the property seized were:
- more than $130,000 in cash
- 800 grams of a substance suspected of being methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $1.1 million
- three motorcycles (Suzuki, Harley-Davidson and KTM models)
- a racing go-kart
- a Seadoo JetSki
- a Holden GTS Commodore
- a Ford Raptor
- a semi-automatic firearm, and 12 other prohibited weapons
- thousands of commemorative coins suspected of being stolen from the Royal Australian Mint.
More than $130,000 in cash was seized by police.
The total value of the property seized, and alleged to be the proceeds of crime, is estimated to be in excess of $500,000.
Police will oppose bail and expect to lay further charges against the man.
Police urge anyone who may have any information regarding the manufacture, sale or distribution of illicit drugs to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
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