CFMEU Delegate Busted in Australia: Police Seize Cocaine, MDMA and Steroids in Construction-Site Drug Probe

Taskforce Hawk detectives arrested three people as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged drug trafficking on construction sites in Melbourne. One of those arrested was a 35-year-old Mulgrave man, who is said to be a delegate for CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, and Maritime Employees Union), the largest trade union representing industrial workers in Australia.

A 32-year-old Fitzroy man and a 27-year-old Fitzroy woman were also arrested but the latter was released 'with an intent to summons' or while the investigation continues. The two men, however, were charged.

CFMEU Delegate Charged

Police issued warrants for properties in Fitzroy, Heathmont and Mulgrave on Thursday, 3 September, resulting in arrests and charges. They seized a stockpile of cocaine, steroids and weapons, among others.

The Victoria Police Media Unit wrote on its website: 'Police have also seized a range of items from the addresses, including a large quantity of steroids and peptides, drug paraphernalia, a large amount of cash, a quantity of cocaine, MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and cannabis, electronic devices, a taser, two extendable batons and pepper spray.'

The CFMEU delegate has been charged with trafficking anabolic steroids, eight counts of possession of prescription drugs, three counts of possession of drugs of dependence, two counts of possession of prohibited weapons, and possession of a controlled weapon.

The Fitzroy man has been charged with trafficking anabolic steroids, possession of prescription drugs, possession of drugs of dependence, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and two counts of possession of prohibited weapons. The arrested men are currently out on bail and will appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 19 January 2027.

In a statement, CFMEU said: 'The Administration is investigating allegations made against a former officer of the union. The investigation is subject to privacy and confidentiality, and no further comment will be made.'

Drug Distribution Centres

Police allege some Melbourne construction sites were being used as drug distribution points. CFMEU is also under a cloud of suspicion after corruption issues came to light early this year, particularly in the Victoria branch.

Senior Counsel Geoffrey Watson wrote a report titled 'Rotting from the Top: The CFMEU in Victoria During the Setka Era' in January 2026 and subsequently released it to the public a month later.

Watson's report read in part: 'The CFMEU was actively employing criminals. During the (John) Setka era, the CFMEU was forcing contractors to employ patched bikies, meth-abusers, violent stand-over men, killers, boxers and cage fighters.'

In the recent raid, police said the three people arrested had been importing drugs and steroids by mail and distributing them directly to workers at building sites across the city. The practice has allegedly turned construction hubs into a drug-supply network hiding in plain sight.

Operation Hawk was formed in 2024 to focus on solving the drug problem within the construction sector. It became Taskforce Hawk in 2025. 'This was in response to a number of fresh allegations of serious and violent criminal behaviour,' Victoria Police said of the raid.

'Taskforce Hawk is focused on assessing new intelligence and evidence relating to allegations of criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry. It also continues to proactively target organised crime associated with the sector, including a focus on any individuals employed within the construction industry who have known links to outlaw motorcycle gangs,' it added.