Man tried to cross border twice – with $1.2m worth of cannabis in his car
A Sydney man has allegedly been caught after twice trying cross the Queensland border with 145kg of cannabis worth $1.2 million.
Police allege they found $4 million in cash in the boot of a car that was pulled over by Queensland police in a random stop. (File photo). (File image/ABC)
The 48-year-old was trying to drive his van through through a border checkpoint on Griffith St, Coolangatta, about 8.50pm on Thursday when police realised he had already tried to cross over earlier in the day.
He told them he had been transporting goods from South Australia but couldn’t provide a valid permit, and officers found out he was actually from Greater Sydney.
The man was denied entry to Queensland and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station for COVID-19 testing.
Officers searched the van, finding 145kgs of cannabis in vacuum sealed bags hidden inside two large hot water systems and a toolbox.
Police believe the street value of the drugs is $1.2 million.
They also seized two mobiles phones, a knife, and other documents, which will be tested.
The man tested negative for COVID-19 but was charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, custody of knife in public place and not complying with a public health direction.
He is due to appear in Tweed Heads Local Court on Friday morning.
