State Crime Command has commenced an investigation after a number of packages – believed to contain approximately 124kg of cocaine – washed up on NSW beaches over the past week.
It all began at about 8pm on Friday, December 22, when officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District were called to Magenta Beach after a member of the public located a suspicious package which had washed ashore nearby.
The package allegedly contained 39 sealed packages inside, suspected to be approximately 39kg of cocaine.
On Sunday, December 24, members of the public allegedly located a further seven individually wrapped packages at Magenta Beach, Pelican Beach, Blacksmith Beach, Avoca Beach, Pentaloon Bay and North Steyne Beach.
At about 11am on Tuesday, December 26, officers attached to Marine Area Command were called to Barrenjoey Headland off the Northern Beaches where a fisherman had located a blue barrel containing 39 individually wrapped 1kg bricks of cocaine.
At about 5.30pm the same day, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were called to Newcastle Ocean Baths after a member of the public found a suspicious package containing approximately 39 individually sealed packages believed to be approximately 39kg of cocaine.
Local police commenced initial inquiries in each case – seizing the packages to undergo further forensic examination – before the matter was referred to State Crime Command.
As inquiries continue, detectives are working closely with local police and specialist resources such as PolAir and Marine Area Command, as well as Australian Border Force and Surf Life Saving NSW, to seize any outstanding packages and determine their origin.
Director of State Crime Command, Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein, thanked the public for their assistance in reporting the packages to police.
“We thank those who have heeded the warning to report any suspicious packages to police as we get to the bottom of this matter and we remind people that being in possession of a prohibited drug is a criminal offence,” he said.
“Detectives and specialist police are currently combing beaches and coastlines for any outstanding packages and working behind the scenes to make sure we find and hold accountable those responsible.”
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au