A British couple faces up to 15 years in prison in Australia after police seized approximately $7 million worth of ketamine from a rental car in Sydney. Demi McDaid, 23, and Jack Farrelly, 30, were arrested as part of an investigation into drug distribution.
New South Wales Police discovered 107 kilograms (236 pounds) of the substance, believed to be ketamine, along with scales, gloves, and bags with crystalline residue, in an apartment allegedly rented by the couple. This initial discovery followed a tip-off from suspicious neighbors.
Three days later, authorities tracked the couple to a hotel and seized the larger quantity of drugs from a hire car. The ketamine was reportedly found stashed in luggage and shopping bags in the vehicle's boot. Police also found mobile phones, over $1,000 in cash, and documents they allege are drug ledgers in the hotel room.
According to police, McDaid and Farrelly, who are from Edinburgh, traveled to Australia with the "sole purpose of taking part in the distribution and supply of large commercial quantities of prohibited drugs." Detective Acting Inspector Alison Dixon noted that drug syndicates often use short-term rental properties to evade detection.
"We have seen this before and encourage property owners to be wary," Dixon said. "People staying in hotels and Airbnbs, we see a lot of illegal activities come and go through those places."
Neighbors in the suburb of Artarmon reportedly alerted police due to the couple's behavior, noting a lack of typical tourist luggage in their short-term rental. Evidence left at the apartment is believed to have helped police locate and arrest the pair.
McDaid and Farrelly appeared at Manly Local Court on June 30 and were denied bail. Their next court appearance is scheduled for August 26 at Downing Centre Local Court. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is supporting two British nationals detained in Australia and is in contact with local authorities.