A Scottish couple arrested in Sydney with a large quantity of ketamine has been hit with additional charges, including directing and participating in a criminal group, which could result in a life sentence.
Demi McDaid, 23, and Jack Farrelly, 30, were taken into custody on June 29 at Rydges North Sydney, where they were allegedly found with 60 kilograms of ketamine stored in the boot of a rental car. Police also reportedly discovered over $2,000 in cash and drug ledgers in their hotel room.
The new charges allege McDaid participated in a criminal group between May 15 and June 29 in Artarmon, while Farrelly is accused of directing that group between June 5 and June 29.
Previously, McDaid and Farrelly were charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of ketamine and supplying prohibited drugs. They faced Manly Local Court the day after their arrest and were refused bail. Their cases were briefly mentioned in Downing Centre Local Court on Friday, with their matters adjourned until October 22. They remain in custody.
The maximum penalty for large commercial drug supply in New South Wales is life imprisonment, with a standard non-parole period of 15 years.
Initial Investigation
Authorities were initially led to the couple following an investigation into drug supply on Sydney's north shore. Three days before the couple's arrest, police acted on a tip-off and searched a property on Hampden Road at Artarmon. There, officers allegedly found 1 kilogram of ketamine, resealable bags with white residue, scales, and luggage. Police believe McDaid and Farrelly rented this apartment for the purpose of drug distribution.
Items left at the Artarmon apartment are believed to have helped police trace the couple to the Rydges North Sydney hotel.
Police Response and Concerns
Detective Acting Inspector Alison Dixon of North Shore Police Area Command noted that drug syndicates often utilize short-term rentals to evade detection. She urged property owners to be vigilant about suspicious activity in hotels and Airbnb accommodations.
Neighbors near the Artarmon property reportedly alerted police to the couple's unusual behavior, noting the absence of typical tourist luggage in the rental.
Photographs released by the media show packages of white powder inside shopping bags in the car's boot, alongside stacks of $50 notes. The initial estimated weights of the drugs were revised from 2kg and 107kg to 1kg and 60kg respectively.
A spokesperson for the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated that they are supporting the two British nationals detained in Australia and are in contact with local authorities.
McDaid and Farrelly had reportedly posed for a photograph at an Australian restaurant weeks before their arrest, with McDaid sharing the image on social media with the caption, "My love, always."