Man faces Wagga Court in relation to alleged pharmaceutical drug bust

Raptor Squad officers arrested and charged a man in Wagga Wagga. Photo: NSW Police.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in Wagga Wagga after what is alleged to be the state’s largest single seizure of pharmaceutical drugs – more than 700 kg of Alprazolam aka ‘Xanax’ which is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

The Raptor Squad formed Strike Force Chadderton in February to investigate the interstate transportation of cash linked to criminal activity.

Police then raided a storage unit in Auburn in Western Sydney at 8 pm on 7 April where they allegedly seized 722 kg of Alprazolam, which has an estimated street value of $12 million.

Police allegedly located and seized 722 kg of Alprazolam commonly referred to as ‘Xanax’ with an estimated street value of $12 million in Western Sydney earlier this month. Photos: NSW Police.

Officers also stopped and searched a truck travelling on Hammond Avenue in Wagga Wagga about 9 pm on Wednesday (10 April), during which they allegedly found shopping bags containing almost $1 million in cash.

The driver was arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station where he was charged with supplying a prohibited drug greater than a large commercial quantity and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.

He was refused bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on Thursday (11 April).