3rd June 2023 – (Sydney) Three men have been arrested by theĀ Australian Federal PoliceĀ in connection with a transnational crime syndicate that attempted to smuggle more than 800 kg of cocaine into Australia. The arrests were made on Friday, and the suspects are now in custody facing serious charges.
According to a statement released by the police, theĀ Western AustraliaĀ (WA)Ā Police ForceĀ andĀ Volunteer Marine RescueĀ WA assisted the crew of a 10-meter cabin cruiser in distress near Rottnest Island on 24th May , which is about 22 km off the coast of Fremantle. Upon arrival, police found three men who claimed to have experienced engine trouble and had limitedĀ boating experience.
However, after conducting a search of the vessel, police officers discovered 29 packages submerged in a water-filled ballast tank. Each package contained numerous blocks of white powder that tested positive for cocaine, leading police to suspect that the men were part of a transnational crime syndicate attempting to smuggle drugs into the country.
Two of the suspects were arrested on Wednesday and taken into custody in Perth, while the third was apprehended in Sydney as he tried to board a flight overseas. The three men, aged 21, 25, and 29, have been charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment.
