Coronavirus lockdown checks lead to drug busts across Australia
Border checkpoints and community policing put in place to manage Australia’s coronavirus lockdown have led to authorities seizing illicit drugs worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Police in the state of Queensland reported on Friday that authorities seized 93 kilograms of marijuana worth around 450,000 Australian dollars (285,000 US dollars) at a border checkpoint.
The illegal stash was hidden in a vehicle trying to enter the neighbouring state of New South Wales.
A 31-year-old man was charged with drug offences and fined 1,334 dollars for driving without a good reason during the lockdown.
States in Australia, including Queensland, have banned non-essential movement between certain regions and have erected police border checks.
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In Sydney, three men were charged on Thursday with multiple drug and weapons charges after police stopped their vehicle for having more than two people inside.
The men face a string of charges and were additionally fined 1,000 dollars for being outside during the lockdown without a valid reason.
Police also searched a man in an inner city Sydney suburb on Wednesday after he caught in breach of lockdown restrictions. He was found to be carrying an estimated 50,000 dollars worth of illegal drugs. (dpa)
