Routine traffic stop leads to $800,000 cannabis bust at Rathdowney

Police have charged two people after a routine traffic stop in Rathdowney led to police seizing more than $800,000 worth of cannabis.

Around 8am yesterday police conducting routine border checks on the Mount Lindesay Highway intercepted a Toyota Hilux utility re-entering Queensland.

A search of the vehicle took place where police uncovered approximately 4.47 kilograms of cannabis stuffed in two pillowcases on the back seat of the vehicle. The pillowcases contained nine individual heat-sealed bags.

The driver, a 21-year-old Arundel man, was arrested and charged with one count of drug possession and one count of drug trafficking. The man was also issued a $1,334 infringement notice for breaching the Chief Health Officer's direction.

A 16-year-old boy was also charged with one count of drug possession and one count of drug trafficking.

As a result of the original drug seizure police executed two further search warrants. At a search in Lindsay Creek yesterday, New South Wales police seized five kilograms of cannabis, a hydroponics set up containing 170 cannabis plants and more than $10,000 in cash. Two gel blasters, which are illegal in NSW, were also seized.

Queensland Police also searched a Coomera residence this morning. No additional items were found.

The drugs seized have a street value of more than $800,000.

Detective Inspector Tod Reid from the Logan Criminal Investigation Branch said police will continue to target criminal behaviour at state borders.

"Police border patrols remain ongoing and we will take quick action to disrupt any kind of criminal activity."

The man was refused bail and appeared in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on May 6.

The boy will appear in the Beenleigh Children's Court on May 11.

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.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

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