A Surfers Paradise man has been sentenced to four years in prison for drug possession and dealing in proceeds of crime, following a joint investigation by Australian law enforcement agencies.
The 58-year-old was sentenced by the Brisbane Supreme Court on Thursday, 3 October 2024, and must serve at least 12 months before being eligible for parole.
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer praised the collaboration between agencies that led to the man’s conviction.
“Criminals may work hard to import and distribute illicit drugs in Australia, but the AFP and its law enforcement partners work harder to disrupt their activities and prevent harm to the community,” Telfer said.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged the man in April 2023 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in Sydney intercepted a 1kg shipment of cocaine concealed in an air cargo consignment from the Philippines.
Subsequent investigations led AFP and Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers to execute a search warrant at the man’s Gold Coast apartment on 18 April 2023.
During the raid, authorities seized $6,000 in cash, 300 grams of cocaine, and 1kg of methamphetamine. Forensic testing confirmed that 158 grams of the methamphetamine were pure. The man was arrested and charged after he returned home.
On 3 October 2024, the man pleaded guilty to several charges, including:
- Possession of a dangerous drug, under section 9(1)(b) of the Drugs Misuse Act (Qld);
- Dealing in proceeds of crime exceeding $1,000, under section 400.7(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- Possessing items used in connection with a dangerous drug, under section 10(1)(a) of the Drugs Misuse Act (Qld).
ABF Acting Commander John Ikin highlighted the role of border officers in stopping drug smuggling attempts.
“Our officers continue to play a vital role in identifying and stopping criminal activity. We will work with domestic and international partners to disrupt criminal supply chains, no matter where they operate,” Acting Commander Ikin stated.
Queensland Police Service Detective Superintendent Troy Pukallus noted that the successful prosecution was a result of relentless joint police work.
“With our partners, we remain focused on disrupting serious organised crime and will use every resource to prevent harm to our communities,” Pukallus said.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of Australian law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.
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