Two individuals have been charged with drug smuggling using a drone in the Wollongong area, south of Sydney. The incident unfolded late on Tuesday night around 11.45pm when police were alerted to suspicious behaviour at a unit complex on Corrimal Street. Officers located the two men, aged 43 and 24, allegedly concealing themselves within the building.
Upon questioning, the men claimed they were searching for a drone that had reportedly crashed nearby. This prompted police to initiate a search, during which they discovered a damaged drone believed to be transporting a bag meant for dog waste, which contained 66 grams of methylamphetamine.
As a result, both men were arrested, and a subsequent investigation was launched. The following day, police executed a search warrant at a residence on Cliff Road in Wollongong, where they confiscated a baton, an electronic stun device, an additional 42 grams of methylamphetamine, and $4,350 in cash. Officers also noted that the front door of the property had been fortified with metal enhancements and multiple deadbolts.
The duo has been charged with various drug offences and unlawful entry, with the authorities alleging that they were using the drone to distribute narcotics in the vicinity before it crashed. They were denied bail during their court appearance yesterday and are scheduled to return to court next month.