A Scottish couple has been denied bail in Australia after being charged with supplying illegal drugs in connection with a significant ketamine seizure. Demi McDaid, 23, and Jack Farrelly, 30, both from Edinburgh, appeared in court this week facing charges related to a bust valued at approximately £5 million.
Police arrested the pair in Sydney after seizing 107 kilograms (236 pounds) of substances believed to be ketamine. The drugs were found stashed in luggage and shopping bags in the boot of a hire car parked in a hotel car park in June. Officers located the vehicle three days after initial investigations into a short-term rental apartment allegedly used by the couple.
Authorities were initially alerted by neighbors who reported suspicious activity at the apartment in the Artarmon suburb. Inside the apartment, police found two kilograms of drugs, scales, disposable gloves, and resealable bags containing white residue. Documents, which police allege are drug ledgers, along with over £1,000 in cash and mobile phones, were also recovered from the hotel room where the couple was apprehended.
New South Wales Police stated their investigation indicates the couple traveled to Australia with the intention of participating in the large-scale distribution of prohibited drugs, allegedly using their temporary accommodation and lack of local ties to evade detection. Detective Acting Inspector Alison Dixon highlighted that drug syndicates often exploit short-term rental markets.
McDaid and Farrelly first appeared at Sydney’s Manly Local Court on June 30. They remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in court again next month. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is providing support to the two British nationals and is in contact with Australian authorities.