North Queensland police have seized more than $1.5 million worth of cannabis and methylamphetamine in the largest drug bust the region has seen in many years.
Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said the stash was uncovered by the dog squad on April 3 during a random sweep of a bus at the Townsville ferry terminal.
"We located a couple of suitcases containing 54 kilograms of cannabis and one kilogram of suspected methylamphetamine," Chief Superintendent Hanlon said.
"Combined, that has an alleged street value in excess of $1.5 million."
A 30-year-old Innisfail man and a 51-year-old Condon woman were arrested and charged with possessing dangerous drugs and possessing property suspected of being the proceeds of an offence.
The man was remanded in custody and both will face Townsville Magistrates Court next month.
Chief Superintendent Hanlon said the drugs had been transported by bus from Brisbane and were likely destined for the Townsville community.
"We're talking two very large suitcases jam-packed full of drugs and the cannabis was in vacuum-sealed bags."
Chief Superintendent Hanlon said the bust would cause a "significant disruption" to local drug trafficking.
"It's about protecting those vulnerable people who become victims to these people trafficking drugs, and we're just lucky we've got this off the street," he said.
