Five individuals have been charged following a major drug bust off the coast of New South Wales, where police confiscated over a tonne of cocaine from a boat. The operation took place after authorities received a tip regarding the cash purchase of a 13-metre motor cruiser in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire on April 28, which raised suspicions.
Subsequently, an investigation dubbed Strike Force Blaine was initiated, focusing on drug trafficking and money laundering activities. The New South Wales Police, alongside the Australian Federal Police, tracked the vessel as it made its way along the coast. On Friday, about 9.30am, the boat was stopped by the Marine Area Command approximately nine nautical miles from Nambucca Heads.
Two men, aged 24 and 26, were arrested and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station, where they faced charges for supplying a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity and participating in a criminal group. Authorities reported that around 1,110 bricks of cocaine, totaling 1.039 tonnes, were found on board, with an estimated street value of $623.4 million.
Additionally, three other men, aged 28, 29, and 36, were apprehended on land as police intercepted two vehicles leaving the South West Rocks area. They too have been charged with similar offences related to drug supply and criminal participation. All five men appeared in Parramatta Local Court, where their bail applications were denied.
The investigation into the source of the drugs and the wider network of individuals involved continues. NSW Police State Crime Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein, emphasised the capability of law enforcement to disrupt criminal activities on both land and sea. He stated that this successful operation highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance of organised crime and the collaborative efforts among agencies to prevent illicit substances from penetrating communities.
Weinstein underscored the potential catastrophic effects these drugs could have on society, particularly in regional areas, had they not been intercepted.