A case of deja vu: 55kg of cannabis seized in Riverina traffic stop

POLICE have allegedly found more than 55 kilograms of cannabis hidden in a vehicle during a traffic stop in the Riverina, in a drug bust bearing striking similarities to another major haul just four months ago.

The drugs were allegedly uncovered inside the rear of a white SUV on the Hume Highway at Mount Adrah about 11am on Wednesday, July 29.

A NSW Police spokesperson said officers attached to the Riverina Traffic and Highway Patrol stopped the vehicle as part of proactive policing operations.

“Following inquiries, police conducted a search of the vehicle and allegedly located more than 55kg of cannabis,” the spokesperson said.

The cannabis was allegedly packed inside several colourful travel bags stored in the rear of the SUV.

Image: Supplied/NSW Police

Images: Supplied/NSW Police

The 36-year-old driver was arrested at the scene and taken to Cootamundra Police Station, where Riverina detectives took carriage of the investigation.

He was charged with supplying a prohibited drug (more than commercial quantity) and refused bail to appear before a bail court on Thursday, July 30.

The cannabis was seized and will undergo forensic examination.

Deja vu on the Hume

The seizure has drawn immediate comparisons with another major drug bust on the Hume Highway in April, just 12 kilometres away at Tumblong.

In that case, police allegedly uncovered more than 54 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside colourful travel bags in the rear of a white Kia Carnival.

The haul on the Hume Highway at Tumblong in April | Images: Supplied/NSW Police

The similarities between the two seizures are striking | Image: Supplied/NSW Police

In both cases, police allegedly intercepted white SUVs on the same stretch of the Hume Highway before uncovering more than 54 kilograms of cannabis packed inside colourful travel bags concealed in the rear.

Police have not indicated whether the two incidents are linked.