Detectives have charged five people following the seizure of more than a tonne of cocaine allegedly located on board a vessel off the New South Wales coast.
NSW Police first noticed suspicious activity with the purchase of a 13m motor cruiser. The vessel was purchased with a large sum of cash, in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire in late April.
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On Friday, the vessel was intercepted as it travelled back to shore at South West Rocks.
Two men, aged 24 and 26, were arrested on board and subsequently escorted to Coffs Harbour Police Station.
Police allege approximately 1,110 blocks of cocaine, weighing 1.039 tonnes, were located on the vessel.
Image: AFP, NSW Police
The seized cocaine equates to over a million individual hits, with an estimated potential street value of $623.4 million.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto said, “Australia’s vast coastline is attractive to organised crime groups, who attempt to exploit this by trying to import drugs using boats.”
“Importation of drugs via the sea are inherently dangerous, and criminals using this smuggling method risk both their freedom and their lives.
Three people, aged 28, 29 and 35, were also arrested on shore.
Image: AFP, NSW Police
Four search warrants at homes in the Newcastle suburbs of Beresfield, Edgeworth, Belmont North and Cardiff South, seized devices, documents and clothing.
Forensic specialists are currently examining the seized drugs.
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