HUNDREDS OF KILOGRAMS OF DRUGS SEIZED FROM YACHT NEAR LAKE MACQUARIE
Two men have been arrested after police intercepted a yacht carrying hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine off the New South Wales coast near Lake Macquarie.
The men were arrested following a multi-agency investigation comprising the Australian Federal Police , New South Wales Police Force and Australian Border Force, collaborating with agencies from the United Kingdom and New Caledonia.
It’s alleged the drugs were wrapped in plastic on board the vessel.
Specialist forensic officers in the process of deconstructing the boat and examining the contents, with more methamphetamine believed to be hidden on board.
A 33-year-old New Zealand national and a 35-year-old man holding dual UK/South African citizenship were arrested.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Eastern Command Justine Gough said even as world borders close, police remain on high alert for drug smugglers attempting to enter the Australian market.
“There motivation is on criminal exploitation and greed, when Australians are already in tough times.”
“We will not stop in our efforts to protect our communities from the destruction of illicit drugs.” said Assistant Commissioner Gough.
The vessel is believed to have been in waters near Norfolk Island before it travelled New Caledonia.
The crew declared to New Caledonian authorities they had travelled from Mexico.
The men were taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with import a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs.
They are due to appear before Parramatta Bail Court this morning via video link, they could face life imprisonment.
The investigation is part of an ongoing operation with the UK’s National Crime Agency, looking into British Organised Crime groups targeting Australia.
Joint investigations are continuing in Australia, and offshore, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
