More than half a million dollars of property seized

Police have seized more than half a million dollars’ worth of property and arrested a 32-year-old Googong (NSW) man for alleged drug trafficking offences after a three-month operation. 

On 2 September 2022, police executed a search warrant at a residence in Garran and located four firearms, approximately 85 grams of heroin, 85 grams of methylamphetamine, 278 grams of MDMA, 1486ml of 1,4-butanediol, large amounts of steroids and other pharmaceuticals, more than $60,000 in cash, and several electronic devices. These items were seized and a 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with multiple firearm and drug offences. 

On 6 October 2022, police executed a second search warrant at the Garran residence, during which the Googong man was present, and in possession of two mobile phones. Subsequent investigations linked these mobile phones to alleged drug trafficking and firearms trading. 

On 19 October 2022, police stopped the Googong man while he was driving and in a search of his vehicle, located four mobile phones and more than $60,000 in cash. The man’s BMW M4 was seized. 

Yesterday (Thursday, 15 December 2022) officers attached to ACT Policing Drugs and Organised Crime, Criminal Assets Investigation, Belconnen Major Crime, and Homicide Teams, the Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce, the Cryptocurrency Capabilities Team, AFP Canine, AFP Digital Forensics and AFP Forensic Search and Imagery, and NSW Police Force Monaro Regional Enforcement Squad effected a traffic stop on the man as he entered the ACT.  

Search warrants were then executed simultaneously on the vehicle, the Googong man’s residence and a business premises in Mitchell. During the warrants, police seized: 

• A modified Mercedes G-Wagon 

• A Harley Davidson motorcycle  

• Jewellery  

• More than $100,000 in cryptocurrency 

• Prohibited weapons 

• Steroids 

• Documents 

• And electronic devices. 

The 32-year-old Googong man was arrested and will appear before the ACT Magistrates Court today (16 December 2022) charged with two counts of trafficking in a controlled drug, three counts of joint commission of trafficking in a controlled drug, dealing with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime, and using an unregistered vehicle.  

Police will oppose bail. 

Anyone with information about the manufacture, distribution and sale of illicit drugs in the ACT is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously. 

Media enquiries 

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au