Cocaine fears rise Police sound alarm after arrest

A DRUG once synonymous with violent drug cartels is reappearing on Cairns streets.

Cocaine is staging a resurgence in the Far North and police this week have arrested an alleged trafficker of the white powder.

Officers arrested Brenton Wayne Keith Harrington earlier this week and charged him with drug trafficking, possession of a dangerous drug and possessing property suspected of being the proceed of a crime.

Officers allegedly found 1kg of methylamphetamine and several ounces of cocaine at the property.

“Cocaine is re-emerging,” detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Goan said. “While meth is the drug of concern in terms of community harm, cocaine is emerging as our second greatest concern.

“Methylamphetamine causes significant community and family harm as loved ones deal with users in the grip of psychosis.”

The street value of the drugs would exceed $500,000, Sen-Sergeant Goan said.

“The end user pays $50 for a point of meth – each gram holds 10 points.

“Cocaine is bought for $300 a gram.”

Police alleged Mr Harrington was a “wholesale trafficker” with a broad distribution network.

“A kilo seizure is quite remarkable,” Sen-Sgt Goan said.

Mr Harrington appeared in custody at Cairns Magistrates Court on Wednesday but did not apply for bail.

Magistrate Terry Browne adjourned the matter for mention on June 26.

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