Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged two men as part of an investigation into the transportation of prohibited drugs between NSW and other states and territories under Strike Force Dewhirst.

Strike Force Dewhirst is an investigation by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad – working closely with Traffic and Highway Patrol Command – and NSW Crime Commission into the transportation of prohibited drugs and proceeds of crime between NSW and other states and territories by people using Dedicated Encrypted Criminal Communication Devices (DECCDs).

As part of inquiries, about 9.15am yesterday (Wednesday, 16 October 2024), officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a white Fiat campervan on the Pacific Highway at Nabiac – about 25km north-west of Forster.

During a search of the vehicle, police located three mobile phones – one suspected of being a DECCD – and a duffle bag containing nine 1kg blocks of cocaine in vacuum-sealed bags.

The driver and passenger of the car – two men aged 20 and 19 – were arrested and taken to Forster Police Station, where they were charged with supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity.

The men were refused bail to appear before Forster Local Court today (Thursday, 17 October 2024).

Police will allege in court the men had rented the van in Brisbane the day prior, with the intention to travel to Sydney, pick up the drugs and return to Brisbane.

Investigations under Strike Force Dewhirst continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.