Bra Boy drug ring charges against Gold Coast woman Ariane Munch withdrawn by prosecution, surfer Evan Faulks facing allegations

Charges against the partner of a pro surfer and alleged “high ranking” Bra Boy accused of directing a $12.6m meth and cocaine importation ring have now been dropped. Here’s the latest.

All charges against Ms Munch have been withdrawn, it has been confirmed. File image.

Charges against the partner of a pro surfer and alleged “high ranking” Bra Boy accused of directing a $12.6 million meth and cocaine importation ring have now been dumped.

Earlier this year, Evan Faulks, 38, was accused of being a key member of the gang by police, who also believe he concealed almost $840,000 with a Tabcorp (TAB) betting account, among other allegations.

Evan Faulks with a signature "Bra Boys" tattoo. Picture: Red Bull/Facebook

Partner Ariane Rose Munch, 37, was also slapped with charges and alleged to be an “associate” of the infamous Maroubra beach gang.

Faulks has been charged with two counts of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, and one count each of knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and intending to conceal, and dealing with property proceeds of crime. He has not entered pleas.

Drugs alleged to have been seized. Picture: NSW Police

Ms Munch was charged with participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity, obtaining financial advantage by deception, dealing with property which is the proceeds of crime, wilfully making false declaration for material benefit, and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime with an intent to conceal.

Evan Faulks. Picture: Red Bull/Facebook

Police accused her of participating in crimes with Faulks and another man, as well as defrauding $567,910 in undeclared income from the Commonwealth.

But all Ms Munch’s charges were withdrawn on October 18.

Defence lawyer Justin Wong of Streeton Lawyers said his client faced a stressful time.

Streeton Lawyers principal Justin Wong defended Munch. Picture: Streeton Lawyers

“She now wants to focus on her family and recovering from this traumatic episode,” he said.

“Questions remain about how Ariane came to be facing these charges and we will continue to explore that issue.”

Ms Munch always maintained her innocence, a spokesperson from the firm added.

Evan Faulks going for a surf. Picture: Red Bull/Facebook

“Her reputation and mental health have suffered enormously under the immense pressure of having to clear her name as well as the public scrutiny she faced at the time charges were laid,” they said.

A screenshot from a Red Bull doco on Evan Faulks. Picture: Facebook/Red Bull

Charges were laid following a probe into the attempted importation of methamphetamines and cocaine into NSW, police state.

It’s alleged “consignments” were intercepted by the US Drug Enforcement Agency and US Customs, containing 6kg of drugs in machinery and a stone bench top.

Police say drugs were seized as part of Strike Force Madline. Picture: NSW Police

Faulks is described in surfing publications as an “accomplished competitor” who “gave away regular competition to focus his energy on big wave surfing”.

Faulks being arrested on the Gold Coast earlier this year. Picture: NSW Police

He featured in Red Bull doco This and Nothing Else in 2016, speaking about surfing, fatherhood and working as a building contractor.

A promo states “Faulks spends his day building and renovating homes to support his family and improve his community of Maroubra, Australia.”

An image supplied by police. Picture: NSW Police

“In his free time he chases the giant swells of nearby Cape Fear,” Red Bull’s website reads.

Faulks was previously featured in an article titled 11 years since the Bra Boys documentary, and police allege in court documents he has been a “high-ranking member of the “criminal organisation” since 2014.

When the case was earlier mentioned in Tweed Heads Local Court, police alleged Faulks “continues to direct members of the organisation … including organising the import of prohibited drugs and distribution of prohibited drugs in Sydney”.

Evan Faulks. Picture: Red Bull/Facebook

He is due to face the Downing Centre Local Court for a hearing on December 8.

Police operation Strike Force Madline involved agencies like NSW Police State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad detectives and Australian Border Force.

Faulks was arrested during a vehicle stop at Miami on the Gold Coast, while Ms Munch was arrested at the pair’s home in the suburb.