Kempsey: NSW Police find $6.5 million in ice in van travelling on Pacific Highway

In December 2021, investigators for the Raptor Squad established Strike Force Wondabah to investigate the transport of illicit drugs between Sydney and Queensland.

As part of ongoing inquiries, police stopped a northbound van on the Pacific Highway near Kempsey about 1.30am on Sunday, March 20.

Raptor Squad officers spoke with the occupants - two men, aged 42 and 48 - before conducting a search of the pair and the vehicle.

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During the searches, police located and seized 6.5kg of methylamphetamine (ice), cash and a small quantity of cocaine.

The ice has an estimated potential street value of $6.5 million.

The men were arrested and taken to Kempsey Police Station and the vehicle was seized for forensic examination.

Both men were charged with large commercial drug supply and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

The older man was also charged with possess prohibited drug.

The pair were refused bail and appeared at Coffs Harbour Local Court, where they were formally refused bail to reappear at Kempsey Local Court on Monday, March 21.

Investigations under Strike Force Wondabah are continuing.

Read more: Report says ice is the most used illicit drug

Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009, before becoming a standalone squad in 2021. Raptor Squad conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.

Anyone with information about the activities of criminal groups is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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