Major Cocaine Seizure Following Pursuit of Motorboat Offshore

Over a ton of cocaine has been seized off the eastern coastline, resulting in the arrest of five men following a police raid on a suspicious motorboat.

Authorities received information about the questionable purchase of a 13-meter-long vessel with a substantial cash payment in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire on April 28.

Police launched an investigation and intercepted the boat on Friday as it was heading towards South West Rocks on NSW’s northern shoreline.

Officers reportedly discovered 1,110 blocks of cocaine, weighing over a ton, onboard.

Estimates suggest that this quantity of cocaine is valued at $623 million on the street.

Two men, aged 24 and 26, were arrested on the boat, while another three men, aged 28, 29, and 35, were detained on land after police stopped two vehicles attempting to leave the vicinity.

Further investigations in Newcastle led to the seizure of electronic devices, documents, clothing, and cash by police.

The two men detained on the boat have been charged with supplying a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity and participating in a criminal organization.

The three men arrested on land face charges of participating in the supply of a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity and involvement in a criminal group.

All five were brought before Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, where they were denied bail and scheduled to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on July 15.

“Australia’s extensive coastline is appealing to organized crime syndicates, who attempt to exploit it to import drugs via vessels,” stated Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto. “The unfortunate reality for them is that the AFP will continue collaborating with our partners to target organized crime networks who mistakenly believe they can operate without consequences.”