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29 July 2020, 4:17pm
Media Release

Trio charged after drugs and cash found in Adelaide

This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and South Australia Police

Three men are expected to face court in Adelaide today (29 July 2020) on drugs and money laundering charges, as a result of a joint investigation between South Australia Police Serious and Organised Crime Branch and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

At around midday yesterday (Tuesday 28 July), detectives attended an address in Lipson Street, Port Adelaide, and seized just under 160 kilograms of cannabis, 500 grams of cocaine and $20,000 in cash. 

A 52-year-old man from Mount Compass was arrested at the scene.

Detectives then searched an Urrbrae address where they arrested a 43-year-old man, after uncovering evidence linking him to the seizure of illicit drugs and money seized at Port Adelaide.

Detectives also searched a property at Evanston Park where they arrested a 37-year-old man, after locating a further $25,000 in cash and evidence linking him to the seizure of illicit drugs and money seized at Port Adelaide.

All three men were charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug (cannabis), trafficking in a commercial quantity of cocaine and money laundering.

They were refused bail to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court today (29 July 2020).

The cannabis seizure equates to about 53,000 street deals valued at about $1,325,000 and 500gm of cocaine equates to 500 street deals valued at about $175,000. 

AFP Superintendent Investigations Gail McClure said the AFP works closely with South Australia Police and other partner agencies to stop illicit drugs from reaching the community and causing harm.

“Criminal networks are constantly looking for ways to flout the laws for their own greed and profits and the COVID-19 border restrictions are no exception,” Superintendent McClure said.

“Police will allege an inter-state truck driver was planning to use his status as an essential worker to transport drugs around the country.

“Criminals should not think they can exploit this global crisis. These arrests and seizures show that we are one step ahead and will continue disrupting criminal ventures and put people before the courts.”

Media enquiries:
SA Police Media: (08) 7322 3848

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