ACT Policing seized approximately 28 kilograms of a substance suspected to be methylamphetamine during the search of a vehicle in Curtin yesterday (October 23).

The search was conducted under a Drugs of Dependence Act (DODA) search warrant as part of a long-running ACT Drugs and Organised Crime Team investigation, Operation Davos, targeting a criminal syndicate involved in the distribution of cocaine in the ACT and interstate.

About 1.30pm yesterday (October 23), police intercepted a male driving a VW Passat sedan after he was seen to attend a residential address in Curtin, ACT. The vehicle was then subject to the DODA search warrant and forensically examined. Police located 28kg of a substance suspected to be methylamphetamine was located within the boot and hidden within the bodywork of the vehicle. The vehicle was also seized by police.

Five subsequent and simultaneous search warrants were then executed across four residential properties in Curtin, Lyons, Holder and Conder and one commercial premise in Canberra City.

This resulted in the seizure of one kilogram of suspected methylamphetamine, 500 tablets of suspected MDMA, approximately 28 grams of cocaine, a sum of cash and a small amount of steroids.

A 51-year-old Curtin man will face the ACT Magistrates Court today on drug trafficking charges. Police will oppose bail.

ACT Drugs and Organised Crime Team Leader Detective Sergeant Shane Scott said that the result was a testament to the diligent work of the Drugs and Organised Crime Team as the pursuit and prosecution of larger scale drug distributors.

“It is believed the 28kg of drugs were destined to be shipped out of the ACT to the Victorian illicit drug market. This amount of drugs could equate to 280,000 street deals valued at over 25 million dollars.”

“The substantial seizure of illicit drugs and arrest was the resolution to an ongoing police investigation which included a seamlessly coordinated effort by many areas of ACT Policing and AFP resources.”

Police investigations under Operation Davos are ongoing.

Police urge anyone who may information regarding manufacture, sale or distribution of illicit drugs to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via https://act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.