Over a tonne of cocaine was confiscated on the east coast of Australia, leading to the arrest of five men after a police raid on a suspicious motorboat.
Detectives were informed about the purchase of a 13-metre-long boat with a considerable amount of cash in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire on 28 April. Subsequently, police conducted an investigation and intercepted the vessel as it was heading towards South West Rocks on the New South Wales mid-north coast.
Officers discovered 1,110 blocks of cocaine, collectively weighing more than a tonne, on board the boat. The street value of the confiscated cocaine was estimated to be $623m. Two men, aged 24 and 26, were apprehended on the boat, while three more men, aged 28, 29, and 35, were taken into custody onshore after attempting to leave the area.
Searches of homes in Newcastle led to the seizure of electronic devices, documents, clothing, and cash. The two men on board the boat were charged with supplying a substantial quantity of a prohibited substance and participating in a criminal group. The three men arrested onshore faced similar charges of supplying a large amount of a prohibited substance and being part of a criminal group.
All five individuals appeared at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, where they were denied bail and are scheduled to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on 15 July.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto of the Australian Federal Police stated that the country’s extensive coastline attracts organized crime groups attempting to import drugs via boats. He emphasized that the AFP, in collaboration with their partners, will continue their efforts to target such criminal organizations who believe they can operate without repercussions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/11/five-arrests-after-more-than-a-tonne-of-cocaine-allegedly-found-on-motorboat-off-nsw-coast
