Police at Queensland-New South Wales Covid-19 border checkpoint allegedly catch driver with 145kg of cannabis in Mercedes van

Police have charged a Sydney man who allegedly tried to cross a Queensland-New South Wales border checkpoint with 145kg of cannabis stashed in his van.

NSW Police have charged a Sydney man who allegedly tried to cross a Queensland-New South Wales border checkpoint with 145kg of cannabis hidden in his van.

It’s alleged officers from Tweed Byron Police District were called to a border checkpoint on Griffith Street at Coolangatta, by Queensland Police about 8.50pm.

NSW Police allege a 48-year-old man was busted at the border with 145kg of cannabis in his van concealed inside two large hot water systems and a toolbox. Picture: Supplied

NSW Police stated there was “concerns regarding a man that was attempting to cross the border for a second time that day”.

“The 48-year-old man, who was driving a Mercedes Sprinter van, told police he was transporting goods and had travelled from South Australia, but could not provide a valid permit,” a statement read.

“Subsequent inquiries revealed the man was from Greater Sydney. He was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads District Hospital for Covid-19 testing.

“The vehicle was seized and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station.”

Police allege officers discovered “145 kilograms of cannabis in vacuum sealed bags that was concealed inside two large hot water systems and a toolbox”, with an estimated potential street value of $1.2 million.

NSW Police allege a 48-year-old man was busted at the border with 145kg of cannabis in his van concealed inside two large hot water systems and a toolbox. Picture: Supplied

It’s also alleged officers seized two mobiles phones, a knife, and other documentation, which will “undergo further testing”.

Police stated the man tested negative to the coronavirus and was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station.

He was charged with supply a prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), custody of a knife in public place, not complying with noticed direction (re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19 travel from metropolitan Sydney to NSW outside area).

He was refused bail to face Tweed Heads Local Court today.

Earlier: Police have allegedly intercepted a driver who tried to travel through a Queensland-New South Wales border checkpoint with a large amount of cannabis stashed in his van.

It’s understood police will allege the man driving the van was turned back from entering Queensland overnight.

Police manning the border at Coolangatta. File image. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Queensland Police officers manning the Covid-19 checkpoint allegedly became suspicious about his reasons for entering the state and tipped off NSW Police, who made the arrest.

It’s believed police will allege the man was busted with about 150 kilograms of cannabis in the vehicle

NSW Police is expected to provide more information later on Friday morning.

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