5 men arrested in massive cocaine bust off coast of Australia
A major drug bust off the coast of Australia resulted in the seizure of more than a ton of cocaine worth nearly $400 million and the arrest of five individuals. The New South Wales (NSW) Police Force, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), successfully intercepted a vessel carrying approximately 1,110 blocks of cocaine, weighing 1.039 tons.
The authorities received intelligence about a suspicious boat purchase involving a large sum of cash in late April. Following the movements of the vessel and individuals involved, both the NSW and AFP tracked their journey northward via Nelson Bay and Port Macquarie. When the boat returned to shore, marine authorities launched an interception operation.
Two men, aged 24 and 26, were apprehended on board the vessel, while three others – aged 28, 29, and 35 – were arrested on land after attempting to flee in vehicles. The total estimated street value of the seized cocaine was close to $400 million.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto highlighted the attractiveness of Australia’s coastline to organized crime groups seeking to smuggle drugs into the country using boats. He emphasized the AFP’s commitment to collaborating with partners to target criminal syndicates operating within Australia.
The two individuals captured on the boat were charged with supplying a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity, while the three men arrested onshore faced charges related to participating in drug trafficking. All five suspects appeared in court and were denied bail.
Investigations are ongoing to uncover more details about the origins of the illicit drugs and identify any associates linked to the apprehended group. The successful operation underscores the dedication of law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and organized crime within Australia.
