Three men charged after huge quantity of drugs, cash found in North Rockhampton

Three men have been charged after the closure of a major Rockhampton investigation targeting dangerous drugs. Police allege more than 70 kilograms of marijuana, as well as cocaine and about $170,000 cash were seized. Watch the video of the raid here.

Police say they have smashed a large interstate trafficking ring after a search of a caravan and home allegedly uncovered more than 77kg of marijuana, cocaine and about $170,000 in cash.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Kevin Mawdsley said investigators received information about a large amount of marijuana being brought into Queensland from Victoria and launched a three-month operation.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Mawdsley said police intercepted a tow truck that was carrying a caravan in North Rockhampton on December 6 about 5.40pm and allegedly found more than 77kg of marijuana.

He said 33g of cocaine was also allegedly found inside the truck.

He said police searched a nearby house on Saunders Street, Koongal, at the same time as the intercept and allegedly found about $170,000 cash and smaller amounts of marijuana.

Daniel Philip Howard, 47, from North Rockhampton and Brett John Gundry, 56, from Thornbury, Victoria, were charged in relation to the alleged offences.

Daniel Philip Howard, 47, appeared in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on December 7, 2021.

Mr Howard’s charges included trafficking a dangerous drug, possessing the marijuana, and possessing proceeds of crime.

Mr Gundry’s charges included supplying a dangerous drug, possessing the marijuana, and possessing the cocaine.

Both men appeared in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on December 7 and were remanded in custody by the magistrate, with their matters adjourned to February 23, 2022.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Mawdsley said investigators had been looking into the men for about three months.

“We allege they were operating together as part of a trafficking syndicate,” he said.

“We are confident this group of individuals has been brought undone as a result of this investigation, but we can’t rule out that there are other people involved or that somebody else is going to pick up where they left off.”

Brett John Gundry, 56, appeared in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on December 7, 2021.

He said investigations were ongoing into whether Mr Gundry had breached border restrictions by being in Queensland.

He said another person who lived at the house was charged with smaller offences, not related to the operation.

The 25-year-old man was issued with a notice to appear in court on January 4.

Investigations are continuing.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2102266989.

Originally published as Three men charged after huge quantity of drugs, cash found in North Rockhampton