Cutting the supply chain: cocaine operation dismantled and assets restrained

On Wednesday 16 September, detectives from the Serious and Organised Crime Branch, with assistance from STAR Group officers, stopped and arrested the man on Sir Donald Bradman Drive at Hilton.

As part of the operation, search warrants were executed at a residential property in Richmond, a warehouse in Thebarton and a restaurant in North Adelaide.

Police will allege the investigation identified multiple instances of cocaine trafficking and supply throughout 2026.

During the searches, investigators located and seized approximately 500 grams of cocaine, $91,000 in cash and two firearms.

A 50-year-old Richmond man was arrested and charged with nine counts of trafficking in cocaine, one count of supplying cocaine, possessing a commercial quantity of cocaine, and possessing two firearms.

He was refused police bail and remanded in custody to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today (Thursday 17 September).

As part of the investigation, six vehicles were confiscated and approximately $4 million in assets were restrained under proceeds of crime legislation. The restrained assets include residential properties and a commercial property believed to be linked to the alleged offending.

This arrest forms part of SAPOL's ongoing commitment to disrupting organised crime networks and preventing the supply of illicit drugs within the community.

Detective Superintendent Campbell Hill, Officer in Charge of the Serious and Organised Crime Branch, said this operation represents a significant disruption to an alleged cocaine trafficking network operating within South Australia.

"The outcome is not measured solely by the arrests and charges laid, but by the comprehensive approach taken to target the financial incentives which underpin serious and organised crime.

"Organised crime offending is fundamentally motivated by profit. Police will continue to pursue those involved at every level, targeting not only their criminal activity but also the wealth, property and resources which enable it.

"Those who choose to engage in serious criminal offending should be under no illusion that South Australia Police will use every available investigative and legislative tool to hold them accountable before the courts.”

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