BREAKING NEWS: In a stunning operation, police have seized 41 kilograms of cocaine valued at an estimated $6.5 million from a truck driver at a rest stop in Chiltern, Australia. The notorious bust occurred on August 13, 2023, around 4:30 PM, marking one of the largest drug seizures in the North East region’s history.
Authorities from the VIPER Taskforce conducted a thorough search of the truck, which was stopped along the Hume Highway. The driver, identified as David Woodbury, a 40-year-old father of three, had tested positive for methamphetamine just minutes prior to the search.
During the inspection, police discovered three black duffel bags in a passenger-side storage compartment of the truck. One bag had a package partially visible, leading to the discovery of the cocaine. The drug packaging was marked with logos resembling those of Shakira or Coca Cola, indicating a connection to traditional cartel methods.
Woodbury, who was allegedly paid $5,000 to transport the drugs, is suspected of working for a high-level criminal syndicate. Authorities expressed concerns about his potential flight risk, as his job requires interstate travel. Magistrate Ian Watkins denied his bail request, stating, “If the charge of large commercial drug trafficking is proven, he is looking at a very significant period of time in jail.”
The court also heard that Woodbury was unaware of the specific contents he was transporting, suspecting it could be either drugs or cash. This adds a layer of complexity to his case, as his defense attorney raised questions regarding the legality of the search following the positive drug test.
A smaller bag of methamphetamine was also found in the truck cabin, further complicating Woodbury’s situation. His family, reliant on his income, expressed distress during the bail hearing, highlighting the human toll of the ongoing drug crisis.
The VIPER Taskforce’s significant bust follows another incident on July 30, when police seized five kilograms of cocaine in a raid in Howlong. As investigations continue, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant against drug trafficking in their communities.
Woodbury has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court on November 20. The implications of this operation extend beyond a single arrest, as authorities work to dismantle the larger criminal networks involved in drug trafficking across Australia.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as police continue their investigation into the trafficking operations linked to this major drug bust.
