Two Scottish nationals now face drug charges in Australia. The incident follows a major police seizure of ketamine. Jack Farrelly, 30, and Demi McDaid, 23: On 29 June, police arrested Jack Farrelly, 30, and Demi McDaid, 23, in North Sydney. in North Sydney on 29 June. Police raided a hotel as part of the operation. Inside a rental car in the hotel car park, officers found drugs. The haul weighed 105 kg and is believed to be ketamine.
The pair appeared in court the next day. Manly Local Court refused them bail. Their next hearing is set for 26 August at Downing Centre Local Court. Both face two drug charges. One relates to supplying a prohibited drug in an amount between an indictable and a commercial quantity. The other concern is supplying an amount at or above a large commercial quantity.
New South Wales Police say the pair travelled to Australia with a clear purpose. They allege the trip was solely to help distribute and supply large amounts of illegal drugs. During the hotel search, police found more evidence. They seized several mobile phones and documents. Investigators believe these documents are drug ledgers. Officers also found around A$2,000 in cash, worth about £1,051.
After their arrest, police first took Farrelly and McDaid to Chatswood Police Station. This was not the first raid linked to the case. Three days earlier, officers searched a separate property. This was a short-term rental unit on Hampden Road in Artarmon. The suburb sits roughly 8km from central Sydney.
That search turned up more evidence. Police found around 2kg of a substance, again thought to be ketamine. They also seized weighing scales and disposable gloves. Clear resealable bags with white crystal residue were found too, along with several pieces of luggage.
New South Wales Police confirmed their investigation is still active. The UK Foreign Office has responded to the arrests. A spokesperson said they are supporting two British nationals held in Australia. The office confirmed it remains in contact with local authorities there.
