Two mates are allegedly caught smuggling $3million of 'dirty money' behind a fake wall in the back of a truck during police operation targeting meth-dealing bikie gangs
Nearly $3million in suspected dodgy cash was allegedly discovered behind a fake wall in a truck as it was being smuggled across the Western Australian border.
Cops investigating the links between the Lone Wolf bikie gang and large-scale meth dealing intercepted the truck, containing audio equipment, being driven to Perth on November 5, a court has heard.
Out-of-work truckie Peter McIntyre, 53, was behind the wheel, accompanied by his friend Matthew McDaid, a known Lone Wolf MC associate who offered him the job, Perth Magistrates Court heard on Thursday.
WA Police allegedly found nearly $3million in cash behind a fake wall in the back of a truck as part of an operation targeting 'illicit commodities' being smuggled across the state's border
Peter McIntyre (pictured left) was behind the wheel of the truck having been offered the driving job by Matthew McDaid (pictured right), police allege
Prosecutors said detectives had eyes on the truck as it pulled over on a deserted road in Kenwick, in Perth's southeast, with a black Mazda pulling up shortly after, The West Australian reports.
Police allege four duffle bags containing $2,942,930 in cash were then unloaded from the Mazda and placed behind a fake wall in the back of the truck.
The vehicle then drove off, allegedly headed for the eastern states, but made it only 130km before officers tailing the vehicle swooped in.
The court was told another lorry was being stopped by cops almost at the same time in the town of Coolgardie, another four hours further east, that contained $13million in cash.
Both stops were part of a WA police operation targeting 'illicit commodities' being moved across the border - which has allegedly resulted in $32million in cash being seized.
WA Police have been targeting 'illicit commodities' being moved across the border with this bust of $4million in cash and 13kg of methamphetamine being found in October
McIntyre's defence lawyer said his client had lost his truck driving job because of Covid restrictions and could be considered an 'ideal patsy'.
The lawyer said his client did not know at all the trip involved illegal activity.
McIntyre was granted bail for $20,000 on Friday with strict conditions.
McDaid remains in jail but intends to make a bail application on December 21.