Australian Police Still Hunting Syndicate After Scottish Couple's Ketamine Arrest

Australian authorities are still pursuing a criminal syndicate believed to be behind a large-scale ketamine operation, four months after a Scottish couple was apprehended with approximately 60 kilograms of the drug in Sydney.

Demi McDaid, 23, and Jack Farrelly, 30, are currently incarcerated in Australian prisons. Their case was mentioned in court on Thursday, where legal proceedings continue.

The couple was arrested on June 29 at the Rydges North Sydney hotel, where they were staying in Room 1202. Police allege they were involved in a major drug distribution network. Investigators believe the pair traveled to Australia specifically for the purpose of participating in the supply of large commercial quantities of illicit substances.

Authorities were led to a rented unit on Hampden Road in Artarmon on June 26, following an investigation into drug supply activities on Sydney's north shore and a tip-off. A search of the Artarmon property allegedly uncovered 1 kilogram of ketamine, along with resealable bags containing white residue, scales, and luggage.

Further inquiries directed detectives to the Rydges North Sydney hotel. There, police allege McDaid and Farrelly were found in possession of mobile phones, over $2,000 in cash, and drug ledgers. An additional 60 kilograms of ketamine were reportedly discovered in the boot of a vehicle rented by Farrelly and left in the hotel's car park.

Photographs released by law enforcement depict shopping bags filled with packages of white powder within the car's boot, alongside wads of cash. McDaid and Farrelly were subsequently charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of ketamine and supplying prohibited drugs.

They appeared in Manly Local Court the following day and were denied bail. Detectives have continued their investigation into the broader criminal network. Both individuals have also been charged with directing and participating in a criminal group, an offense defined under New South Wales law as engaging in conduct that constitutes a serious indictable offense with two or more other people.

McDaid is accused of participating in such a group between May 15 and June 29, allegedly knowing it was a criminal group and that her involvement contributed to drug supply activities. Farrelly is accused of directing the group between June 5 and June 29, knowingly participating by directing its activities and being aware or reckless as to whether his participation contributed to criminal activity.

NSW Police have confirmed that no other arrests have been made in connection with the alleged ketamine seizure since McDaid and Farrelly were taken into custody. A police spokesman stated that investigations into other potential involved parties are ongoing.

The case was briefly mentioned in Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, with neither McDaid nor Farrelly appearing. Their legal representative indicated they were not in a position to discuss the matter. Bail was formally refused, and the case was adjourned until November 12, with the prosecution brief to be served by that date.

The maximum penalty for large commercial supply of a prohibited drug in New South Wales is life imprisonment, with a standard non-parole period of 15 years.

Authorities noted that drug syndicates increasingly utilize short-term rental accommodations, including hotels and Airbnbs, to evade detection. Police are urging property owners to remain vigilant regarding suspicious activity in rental properties.