Two Scottish tourists have been charged in Sydney, Australia, after an investigation sparked by suspicious activity reported at an Airbnb led police to discover 105 kilograms of ketamine, an illicit drug with an estimated street value of $11 million.
Neighbors reported unusual behavior at a short-term rental property on Hampden Road in Artarmon, on Sydney's lower north shore, on June 26. Responding officers from the NSW Police allegedly discovered 2 kilograms of ketamine powder along with commercial scales, disposable gloves, and resealable bags containing crystalline residue within abandoned luggage at the premises.
Following this discovery, an investigation led detectives to a hotel in North Sydney three days later. A raid on one of the hotel rooms resulted in the arrest of a 30-year-old Scottish man and a 23-year-old Scottish woman. Police reported finding $2,000 in cash, six mobile phones, and handwritten drug ledgers in the room.
Further investigation led officers to a rented vehicle in the hotel's carpark, where they allegedly uncovered the bulk of the ketamine, totaling 103 kilograms, concealed within shopping bags and plastic totes. The total amount of ketamine discovered by police is stated to be 105 kilograms.
Detective Acting Inspector Alison Dixon commended the swift actions of her officers, stating that they disrupted the alleged illegal activity. "We will allege that the couple travelled from the UK for the sole purpose of taking part in illegal drug supply," Det Act Insp Dixon said. She also urged the public to report any suspicious activities observed at short-term rental properties, emphasizing that unusual or concerning behavior should be reported to authorities.
The man and woman were charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs. They were subsequently refused bail at Manly Local Court and are scheduled to appear at Downing Centre Local Court in August.