Three Men Arrested with $162 Million Worth of Drugs
Three men from New South Wales have been arrested in Queensland after allegedly attempting to import almost 500 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of over $162 million.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) apprehended the suspects on Sunday at a boat ramp near Gladstone. The men are accused of collecting the cocaine from a larger cargo vessel at sea before returning to shore in an 8.2-meter fishing boat.
Upon searching the vessel, authorities discovered 15 waterproof bags containing approximately 32 blocks of a powdered substance in each bag. Each block weighed around 1 kilogram. Preliminary tests indicated the substance was cocaine, with further analysis to determine its exact weight and purity.
The three men, aged 27, 45, and 66, appeared in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Monday and were remanded in custody. They face charges of possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The AFP, in collaboration with Queensland police and international law enforcement agencies, is continuing its investigation into the origin of the drugs. Searches were conducted at a motel in Tannum Sands, the men's residences in Newcastle and the Central Coast of NSW, and a vessel anchored in the Port of Gladstone.
Commander John Tanti of the AFP emphasized the agency's commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting the Australian community. He stated, "We want to assure the Australian community we are working tirelessly to keep these dangerous drugs off the streets."
Australian Border Force (ABF) Acting Commander Jim Ley highlighted the importance of collaboration between agencies in disrupting criminal activities. He said, "This seizure amounts to over two million individual street deals which will no longer get into the hands and homes of Australian families."
The three men are scheduled to reappear in Gladstone Magistrates Court on July 19.