Trio of serving ADF soldiers arrested on multiple charges after police investigation intercepted mail containing cash

ABC News

Three serving Australian soldiers have been arrested over their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking syndicate.

An investigation by Queensland Police Service’s (QPS) organised crime squad led to the arrests of three men, all aged 23 and living in Townsville.

As part of the investigation, officers intercepted mail and seized cash.

QPS alleges the money was intended to buy drugs that would then be resold for profit, but said no substances were found during the arrests.

One man is facing 22 charges, including 14 counts of supplying dangerous drugs, one of trafficking dangerous drugs, and charges related to stealing and receiving tainted property.

The other two men were each charged with seven offences related to supplying and trafficking dangerous drugs.

The ABC understands all three were serving in an infantry unit at Townsville’s 3rd Brigade, with the trio expected to now face disciplinary action and discharge.

All three have been released on bail to return to court early next year.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) said it was cooperating with police and took incidents of this nature seriously.