More arrests likely as cross border drug syndicate dismantled by cops

Police say they expect to make further arrests after a man accused of forming part of a large drug syndicate – allegedly alongside ex-NRL player Michael Gordon – was extradited to NSW, following a six month crackdown by Queensland and interstate authorities.

The accused ringleader of a cross-border drug ring allegedly involving Gold Coast Titans assistant coach Michael Gordon has appeared in court facing almost 30 charges of supplying cocaine.

Jack Stuart Jones, 21, faced Tweed Heads Local Court via video link from a watch-house cell on Tuesday.

Mikayla Noakes accused of role in drug syndicate with NRL coach pleads innocence

Titans coach refuses to address troubling rumour in Michael Gordon drug syndicate arrest

He was one of seven people, including ex-Titans and NSW State of Origin player Gordon and Instagram influencer Mikayla Noakes, arrested by police on the Gold and Tweed coasts in synchronised raids last weekend.

Former NRL player Michael Gordon is released from custody at Tweed Heads Police Station over the weekend. Picture: Scott Powick.

Jones was extradited from Queensland on Monday after being arrested at his Burleigh Waters home.

Police allege he was the ringleader of a syndicate involved in the supply of cocaine and MDMA on both sides of the Queensland-NSW border.

After extensive inquiries, Strike Force Caved allegedly seized cocaine, MDMA, steroids, mobile phones, drug paraphernalia and more than $60,000 cash, police said.

It’s believed the drugs were intended to target Schoolies.

At the weekend, Tweed and Byron Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Brendon Cullen, said the arrests came at a crucial time as Schoolies descended on many coastal towns.

Influencer Mikayla Noakes, 20, is accused of being part of a major cross-border drug syndicate between NSW and Queensland.

“Byron Bay is one of the busiest places on the east coast of Australia right now, with thousands of Schoolies expected to fill coastal towns during the coming weeks,” he said.

“These drugs (allegedly found were allegedly) bound for our streets, and (the find) will have significantly disrupted the supply chain into the schoolies areas.

“Police will allege in court this (alleged) syndicate was operating across the border, and we are extremely pleased to be able to put these (accused) before the courts.”

Investigations under Strike Force Caved are ongoing, as authorities say they expect to make further arrests.

Jones, who was charged with 29 counts of supplying cocaine, did not apply for bail and was formally refused.

He will reappear in court on January 15.

Gordon, who has been stood down indefinitely by the Titans, has been bailed to appear in Tweed Heads Court next month.

He has not been charged with being part of a criminal group, but has been charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug and two counts of possess prohibited drug.