More than 100 kilograms of cocaine — with an estimated street value of $14 million — has been found impregnated in four tonnes of timber smuggled across the NSW–Queensland border, according to details published in the Daily Telegraph today.
The discovery followed a months‑long investigation by Strike Force Capulin, established by the NSW Drug and Firearms Squad in August 2025 after intelligence suggested timber planks had been chemically bonded with cocaine and were destined for extraction by an organised criminal group.
Police say the concealment method – cocaine infused directly into the processed timber – is unusually sophisticated for an Australian operation with planks allegedly moved through storage sheds in Lismore and on the Gold Coast, with investigators now examining where the timber originated, how it was treated, and whether legitimate supply‑chain channels were exploited.
Detective Superintendent John Watson said the cross‑border operation was central to dismantling the alleged network. “Information flowed quickly, resources were shared, and the result is a major disruption to organised crime,” he said.
“Cross‑border crime requires cross‑border policing. This operation is a strong example of how collaboration delivers real results. Criminal groups continue to evolve their methods, and this attempt to conceal cocaine within timber products was highly calculated. Our teams were ready for it, and their action ensured drugs never made the streets.”
Meanwhile, Acting Detective Superintendent Brad Phelps said the coordinated effort allowed police to intervene before the drugs were extracted. “These actions resulted in disrupting this criminal activity and preventing a significant quantity of cocaine from making its way onto the streets and causing community harm.”
“This investigation highlights the lengths that organised criminal syndicates will go to in order to attempt to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies. This concealment methodology, of impregnating cocaine into timber planks, had not been detected in Queensland previously.”
The investigation intensified on 2 January when the Daily Telegraph reported that detectives arrested a 33‑year‑old man in Kingsford, allegedly carrying two kilograms of cocaine and $6,800 in cash. He was charged with a series of commercial‑quantity drug‑supply offences and dealing with the proceeds of crime, before being granted strict conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on 26 February.
Police will allege the man had flown from Ballina to Sydney to collect prohibited drugs. Two days later, investigators searched a vehicle at Ballina Airport and allegedly uncovered a duffel bag containing 723 grams of cocaine, 112 grams of ketamine and almost $400,000 in cash. Detectives also examined a mobile phone, allegedly finding photos and videos showing what appeared to be 100 kilograms of cocaine bonded into timber planks. NSW Police said the origin of the timber “is still being examined.”
On 22 January, NSW officers executed a crime‑scene warrant at a Lismore property, seizing six tonnes of timber. At the same time, Queensland’s State Drug Squad raided a Molendinar address, allegedly locating a clandestine extraction lab and a large quantity of timber planks. Four men — aged 42, 45, 46 and 55 — were arrested in Queensland and charged with producing dangerous drugs, including cocaine, and possessing equipment such as a cocaine press.
The operation continued this week, with NSW detectives arresting another 33‑year‑old man at Ocean Shores on 10 February. He was charged with ongoing drug supply, supplying a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, and knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group. He was refused bail and was due to appear in court on Wednesday.
