A massive NSW drug bust has seen five men charged after police intercepted a vessel carrying over a tonne of cocaine off the state’s coast. Authorities estimate the drugs’ street value at more than $623 million.
The investigation began on 28 April 2025, when detectives from the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad received intelligence about the suspicious cash purchase of a 13-metre motor cruiser in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.
Under Strike Force Blaine, and with assistance from the NSW Crime Commission and Australian Federal Police (AFP), officers tracked the vessel as it moved north, passing through Nelson Bay and Port Macquarie. Specialist teams closely monitored the group’s activities.
On Friday, 9 May, police intercepted the vessel near South West Rocks around 9:30 a.m. Two men, aged 24 and 26, were arrested on board and escorted to shore by Marine Area Command officers. They were taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.
Inside the boat, police allegedly uncovered 1,110 blocks of cocaine, weighing approximately 1.039 tonnes. Authorities say the haul equates to more than one million street-level doses.
At the same time, three additional suspects — aged 28, 29 and 35 — were arrested on land. Investigators stopped two vehicles as they attempted to leave the South West Rocks area. Those three men were taken to Taree Police Station.
Forensic teams are now examining the seized drugs to confirm their purity and exact weight.
Subsequent raids were carried out at properties in Beresfield, Edgeworth, Belmont North and Cardiff South, where electronic devices, documents and clothing were seized. A further AFP-led search at a Catherine Hill Bay residence led to the discovery of communication devices and cash.
The two men arrested on the vessel have been charged with supplying a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity and participating in a criminal group. The three arrested on land face similar charges relating to drug supply and criminal group involvement.
All five appeared at Parramatta Bail Court on 10 May, where they were formally refused bail. They are next scheduled to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on 15 July 2025.
Investigators are continuing inquiries into the origins of the drugs and possible connections to broader criminal networks.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto reaffirmed law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling drug syndicates operating in Australian waters.
“The AFP and NSW Police have a long-standing partnership focused on dismantling transnational crime,” he said. “Operations like this prove that we’re capable of striking hard at criminal networks exploiting our coastline.”
He warned that those choosing to smuggle drugs via sea risk not only their freedom but also their lives.
NSW Police State Crime Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein, echoed that message.
“These arrests demonstrate how quickly our resources can mobilize to intercept and dismantle major trafficking operations,” Weinstein said. “Had this cocaine reached the streets, the impact on regional communities would have been devastating.”
He emphasized the importance of multi-agency efforts and ongoing monitoring of organized crime methodologies.
“Our ability to adapt and respond to threats, both on land and sea and is key to keeping NSW communities safe. This result is proof that we’re doing just that,” he added.
The investigation remains ongoing.
11 May 2025
Source: AFP
