ORGANISED Crime Squad detectives have charged three men for their alleged role in a conspiracy to supply 1.5 tonnes of cocaine in NSW.
Strike Force Blaine was established by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad – with the NSW Crime Commission and Marine Area Command – to investigate the distribution and supply of large commercial quantities of prohibited drugs by Organised Criminal Networks operating along the eastern seaboard of NSW.
Through inquiries, detectives identified three men in the Hunter region allegedly behaving suspiciously, including using cash in the purchase of two marine vessels.
The actions of the men were considered consistent with the methodology used by ‘catching crews’, tasked with collecting significant quantities of prohibited drugs dropped at sea.
About 5am on Thursday 26 June, strike force detectives – with assistance from Operational Support Group Operation UTAH and the Dog Squad – arrested a 34-year-old man during a vehicle stop in Eleebana.
The man was taken to Belmont Police Station, where he was charged with “conspiracy to supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity”, “recruit other to assist in carrying out criminal activity”, and “knowingly direct activities of criminal group”.
About 8.20am, detectives – with Manning-Great Lakes Police District – arrested a 23-year-old man at an industrial worksite in Forster.
The man was taken to Forster Police Station, where he was charged with “conspiracy to supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity” and “participate in a criminal group”.
Strike force detectives then arrested a 24-year-old at Salamander Bay at about 11.20am.
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with “conspiracy to supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity” and “participate in a criminal group”.
Police also seized a commercial fishing boat in Lemon Tree Passage, which was taken to Nelson Bay for forensic examination.
Police will allege in court the three men stood to earn $3.4 million between them for their role in the alleged collection of the 1.5 tonne of cocaine.
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