Australia: Cannabis lollies and baked goods seized in drug bust targeting online marketplace

NSW Police found 1.6kg of cannabis in a Sydney home —but a whole lot more was hidden elsewhere.

Almost 4kg of cannabis-infused candy, chocolate and baked goods was seized by NSW Police in a drug bust this week as part of a crackdown that snared seven people.

Five men and two women were charged as Kings Cross detectives targeted an online marketplace selling drugs following a four-month investigation.

The detectives established Strike Force Leafed Out in May to tackle new ways of selling drugs.

On Friday, a police located nearly 4kg of cannabis-infused food including jelly lollies, chocolate and baked goods at a home on Glencoe Street in Sutherland.

About 1.6kg of cannabis, cannabis oil, cash, mobile phones and clothing were also seized by police.

Almost 4kg of cannabis-infused candy, chocolate and baked goods have been seized by NSW Police as part of a drug bust that snared seven people. Picture: NSW Police

Almost 4kg of cannabis-infused candy, chocolate and baked goods have been seized by NSW Police as part of a drug bust that snared seven people. Picture: NSW PoliceSource:NCA NewsWire

A 25-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman arrested at the property will reappear at the Central Local Court on Tuesday, after being refused bail on Saturday.

The man was charged with 12 counts of supplying prohibited drug, dealing with proceeds of crime, and participating in a criminal group, while the woman is facing three counts of the same charges.

Police allege the pair delivered the cannabis-infused confectionery to people across inner Sydney between July and August.

Kings Cross area commander Superintendent Paul Carrett warned the sale of these “unsuspecting food items” posed a significant risk to the community.

“Not only are these drugs illegal, they are also incredibly dangerous – you simply don’t know what you’re taking or how it will affect your health,” he said.

A 25-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman arrested at the property will reappear at the Central Local Court on Tuesday, after being refused bail on Saturday. Picture: NSW Police

A 25-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman arrested at the property will reappear at the Central Local Court on Tuesday, after being refused bail on Saturday. Picture: NSW PoliceSource:NCA NewsWire

Five more arrests under Strike Force Leafed Out took place this week following extensive investigations.

A 28-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, both Taiwanese nationals, were arrested at Pyrmont with police to allege in court they were involved in selling cannabis-infused baked goods through a website.

The man was charged with eight counts of supplying a prohibited drug, five counts of possessing a prohibited drug, supplying cannabis, dealing with the proceeds of crime, and driving a vehicle without a licence.

The woman was also charged with supplying a prohibited drug, two counts of dealing with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime, four counts of supplying a prohibited drug, and supplying cannabis.

They were both granted conditional bail and will appear before Central Local Court on September 18.

A 28-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were also arrested at Pyrmont St, Pyrmont with police to allege in court that the pair were involved in the supply of cannabis-infused baked goods through a website. Image: NSW Police

A 28-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were also arrested at Pyrmont St, Pyrmont with police to allege in court that the pair were involved in the supply of cannabis-infused baked goods through a website. Image: NSW PoliceSource:NCA NewsWire

A 28-year-old Taiwanese national was charged with three counts of supplying a prohibited drug, and dealing with proceeds of crime after being arrested at a unit on Nipper St, Homebush early on Thursday.

He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on October 13.

Two French nationals were arrested, with police to allege they were involved in supplying MDMA online.

One of them, a 31-year-old man, was charged with three counts of supplying a prohibited drug, and participating in a criminal group on Thursday after being arrested at a home on Charles St, Canterbury.

The man was granted conditional bail and will reappear before Burwood Local Court on October 16.

The other, aged 30, was arrested at a home on Bayswater Rd, Potts Point on Wednesday and charged with four counts of supplying a prohibited drug, three counts of possessing a prohibited drug, and participating in a criminal group.

He was granted conditional bail and will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on September 17.

Superintendent Carrett said online drug supply was not new but posed a unique challenge for law enforcement to detect drug transactions.

“This operation sends a clear message to people who believe they can avoid police detection, that we will continue to target the supply of prohibited drugs using various methods, whether that is online or within the community,” he said.

Investigations under Strike Force Leafed Out will continue.

Source:  https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/cannabis-lollies-and-baked-goods-seized-in-drug-bust-targeting-online-marketplace/news-story/b6eb9927139bd76be6713456615ac990

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