Australian authorities seize boat carrying $400m in cocaine off New South Wales
Police in Australia have charged five people following the seizure of more than a tonne of cocaine allegedly located on board a vessel off the New South Wales coast late last week.
The New South Wales Police Force obtained intelligence in relation to the suspicious purchase of a 13-metre boat, with a large sum of cash, in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire on April 28, 2025.
The State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad commenced an investigation targeting drug supply and money laundering.
Investigators in collaboration with the NSW Crime Commission and Australian Federal Police (AFP) gathered information on those involved, which led them to focus on the movements of the vessel and persons associated with the group.
With the assistance of specialist NSW Police resources and the AFP, officers continued to monitor the activities of the group as they travelled north via Nelson Bay and Port Macquarie.
On Friday, May 9, as the vessel travelled back to shore – towards South West Rocks – it was intercepted by the NSW Police Marine Area Command at about 09:30 local time.
Two men, aged 24 and 26, were arrested on board and escorted to shore by the police vessel. They were taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.
Police allege approximately 1,110 blocks of cocaine, weighing 1.039 tonnes, were located on the vessel. The seized cocaine equates to over a million individual hits, with an estimated potential street value of AU$623.4 million (US$400.5 million).
Simultaneously, three people – aged 28, 29 and 35 – were arrested on shore after investigators stopped two vehicles attempting to leave the South West Rocks area. They were taken to Taree Police Station.
Forensic specialists are currently examining the seized drugs and will be conducting further testing to determine the exact weight and purity of the drugs.
Investigators subsequently executed four search warrants at homes in the Newcastle suburbs of Beresfield and Edgeworth, Belmont North and Cardiff South, seizing electron devices, documents and clothing.
A further search warrant was executed by the AFP at a home at Catherine Hill Bay, where they seized communications devices and cash.
The two men at Coffs Harbour were charged with supply prohibited drug – large commercial quantity and participate in criminal group. The three men at Taree were charged with take part in supply prohibited drug – large commercial quantity and participate in criminal group.
They all appeared at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, May 10, where they were all formally refused bail to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on July 15, 2025.
Investigations into the origin of the drugs and the groups alleged associates remain ongoing.
