Media Release
Queensland man charged over alleged 140kg cocaine importation concealed in marine engines
This is a joint release between Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor’s note: Images available via Hightail
A Gold Coast man is expected to appear before the Southport Magistrates Court today (29 April, 2025) over his alleged role in the importation of 140kg of cocaine concealed in marine engines.
The man, 35, was charged by the AFP yesterday (28 April, 2025).
Investigations began when Australian Border Force (ABF) officials found a large quantity of plastic-wrapped blocks inside two wooden-crated marine engines, which arrived in Brisbane from California, USA, inside a sea container on 28 October, 2024.
Initial testing of the blocks returned a positive result for cocaine and the matter was referred to the AFP, which substituted the illicit drugs with an inert substance before placing the blocks back inside the engines.
The container was delivered to a semi-rural property in Mount Nathan on the Gold Coast on 14 November, 2024. Observations identified that the contents were then removed and transported about 15km, to a property in Wongawallan, the following day.
That evening, police allege the man visited the property in Wongawallan and tried to retrieve the inert substance, believing it was illicit drugs from the engines, but left empty handed.
On 17 November, 2024, the AFP executed search warrants at his home in Burleigh Heads, as well as the properties in Mt Nathan and Wongawallan.
Police located two wooden crates and two large marine engines in a shed at the property in Wongawallan, as well as a forklift, which was allegedly hired by the man to move the crates. Mobile phones and power tools were among the items seized from the properties.
The Burleigh Heads man was charged with:
- One count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, contrary to sub-section 11.1(1) and 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
AFP Acting Commander Adrian Telfer said the AFP and its partners remained committed to disrupting the supply of illicit drugs into Australia to protect the community from serious harm and heartache.
"Criminal syndicates will hide these hideous illicit drugs in all types of containers to smuggle them into our country and circulate them throughout our communities," Acting Commander Telfer said.
"They prioritise profits over people’s lives and have zero regard for the pain and suffering they cause.
"The message to these criminals is a simple one. If you try to import illicit drugs into Australia, the AFP will find and destroy them, and you will be prosecuted."
ABF Inspector Kylie Black said her officers would not waver in their mission to protect Australians from criminal syndicates that prioritised profits over human life.
"The impact of illicit drugs on society is devastating, driving crime and addiction into our neighbourhoods," Inspector Black said.
"Our committed officers at the Australian Border Force are well trained and use the most current intelligence and technology to detect and intercept these illicit drugs, no matter where the criminal syndicates try to hide them.
"We work alongside partner agencies such as the AFP nationally, as well as overseas, to ensure that these attempts to do harm to our communities are detected and stopped."
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
