A man has been charged after more than $3 million worth of drugs and a firearm was seized on M1 near Ballina overnight.

About 9.30pm (Thursday 5 May 2022), detectives attached to Richmond Police District – with assistance from the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command and the Richmond PD Proactive Crime Team – stopped a Ford Falcon travelling north on the M1 Motorway at Ballina.

Officers conducted a search of the vehicle, where they located and seized prohibited drugs including 4.4kg of methamphetamine, 4.66kg of cocaine, a single barrel sawn off shotgun and ammunition.

The potential estimated street value of the prohibited drugs is more than $3 million dollars. The items will undergo forensic examination.

The 51-year-old was arrested and taken to Ballina Police Station, where he was charged with possess prohibited drug, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, and use, supply etc stolen firearm or firearm part.

The man – from Raceview in Queensland – was refused bail to appear before Ballina Local Court today (Friday 6 May 2022).