Victoria Police Intercept $13 Million Methamphetamine Shipment in Major Hume Highway Tactical Bust

Police uncovered a massive $13 million cache of methamphetamine hidden inside a Toyota Prado during a tactical traffic stop on the Hume Highway near Wangaratta.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 4:57 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Tactical Interception on the Hume Highway Victoria Police executed a major blow to regional drug syndicates on Wednesday afternoon following a targeted operation on the Hume Highway. Officers operating in unmarked tactical vehicles intercepted a black Toyota Prado near Wangaratta, a key transit point in northern Victoria. Upon pulling the vehicle over, a meticulous search was conducted, leading to the discovery of a significant quantity of methamphetamine concealed within the structure of the car.

Seizure of High-Value Illicit Narcotics The methamphetamine recovered during the operation has an estimated street value of $13 million. Victoria Police spokeswoman Katherine McLeod confirmed that the drugs were "hidden inside the vehicle," suggesting a sophisticated attempt to move the large-scale shipment through the state's highway network. The sheer volume of the seizure indicates that this was a primary supply route intended for distribution across broader Victoria.

Legal Proceedings and Charges Filed Following the discovery, two occupants of the vehicle were immediately taken into custody. Both individuals have been charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs a charge that carries severe penalties under Victorian law. The accused were remanded in custody and were scheduled to appear before the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Friday to face the allegations.

Strategic Focus on Organized Crime Drivers Detective Inspector Jamie Walker highlighted that this operation is part of a broader, relentless strategy to dismantle drug trafficking networks. "We have zero tolerance for those bringing harm to our community by importing and trafficking drugs of any kind," Walker stated. He emphasized that illicit substances remain a primary driver of secondary crimes, and removing such a substantial quantity from the streets is a critical victory for public safety and community stability.

Ongoing Commitment to Community Safety This investigation underscores Victoria Police’s commitment to tracking and neutralizing offenders who profit from the illicit substance trade. By utilizing unmarked units and intelligence-led stops, authorities are increasingly able to disrupt supply chains before they reach metropolitan and regional centers. Police have signaled that they will continue to focus on the Hume Highway and other major transport corridors as they work...