Cash, drugs, cars seized in NSW-QLD cross-border crime operation

Cash, cars and millions of dollars worth of drugs have allegedly been seized, a Mongols clubhouse dismantled and three men charged in a cross-border police operation between NSW and Queensland.

An alleged clandestine laboratory and a Mongols clubhouse have been dismantled during a cross-border police operation that also seized cash, drugs and luxury cars.

Operation Viking, a joint operation by NSW and Queensland Police, the NSW Crime Commission, Australian Federal Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, targeted crime on the NSW-Queensland border.

Police allege seven firearms, more than $150,000 cash and drugs including ice, cocaine and cannabis worth over $4.5 million were seized over the past two weeks.

On July 18, police allegedly located and dismantled a drug laboratory at Seelands, near Grafton.

It’s alleged large quantities of precursor chemicals and equipment for drug manufacturing, as well as 1kg of cannabis, were found.

Police seized precursor chemicals...

... and cannabis from a Seelands property.

The following day, cash, luxury cars and electronic devices were among items seized from the Ewingsdale home of a 44-year-old man subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order.

On July 20, police attended the Bilambilo Heights home of a 36-year-old man who’s a member of the Mongols outlaw bikie gang, and also subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order.

Police seized cash, electronic devices...

... and luxury vehicles from another property in Ewingsdale.

Police allegedly dismantled a Mongols clubhouse at the back of the home, including a bar and a large collection of bikie paraphernalia.

On Monday, police allegedly located 130g of cocaine, cannabis and $18,000 cash at a home in Tweed Heads.

A 53-year-old man was charged with deal with property proceeds of crime, two counts of possess prohibited drug, and supply prohibited drug more than indictable amount, and will appear in Tweed Heads Local Court next month.

On Tuesday, a loaded rifle and ammunition were allegedly seized from the Tweed Heads South home of a 27-year-old man subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order.

A Mongols clubhouse at the back of the home was discovered and dismantled by police.

Mongols-branded clothing and other items found by police in the clubhouse.

The man was charged with possess unauthorised firearm, possess ammunition without holding licence, and not keep firearm safely.

He was refused bail to return to Tweed Heads Local Court on September 9.

The same day, two hydroponic cannabis labs and 2.5kg of dried cannabis were allegedly found at a Carrara home.

A 55-year-old man was charged with producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs (exceed schedule), and possess things used in connection with part 2 drug offence.

He’ll appear in Southport Magistrates Court on August 24.

NSW Police State Crime Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein, said the operation had given police better insight into organised crime on the border.

“The northern border zone has the state’s largest outlaw motorcycle gang population with a significant crossover between NSW and Queensland,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Weinstein said.

A number of guns were also seized...

... as well as multiple luxury watches.

“Alongside our law enforcement partners, we have now gathered sufficient intelligence on organised criminal networks functioning across this area and will be well-equipped to deal with any organised criminal activity moving forward.

“We know criminal organisations were establishing themselves across the north coast because of its lucrative drug market and a perceived idea the area is relatively free of scrutiny from law enforcement.

“I’m confident that following these two weeks that perception has changed – as we continue to work closely through joint-operations to prevent, disrupt and respond to organised crime.”

AFP Assistant Commissioner Northern Command Lesa Gale said federal police were able to gather intelligence across both states.

Three people were charged...

... amid the cross-border law enforcement operation.

“The AFP has a unique capability to gather intelligence and track criminal activity across state and territory borders and works closely with our state and territory partners in law enforcement,” Assistant Commissioner Gale said.

“The Queensland and NSW border is the most heavily populated border region in Australia and the AFP is committed to using our full capabilities to take the fight to outlaw motorcycle gangs and other serious organised crime networks trying to operate here.

“Our message to organised crime is simple: we will not stop in our mission to outsmart you and protect the Australian community.”