Chief Engineer's Charge Dropped in Major Cocaine Case as Trial Nears for Five Accused
In a dramatic development, one of seven individuals charged in connection with a massive cocaine haul discovered off the coast of Perth has had his charge discontinued, just as an extensive trial approaches for the remaining co-accused. Radovan Vujicic, the 42-year-old chief engineer of the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier St Pinot, was released from prosecution during a status conference at the Supreme Court of Western Australia on Monday.
Justice Amanda Forrester announced the decision, stating, "The Crown have decided they no longer wish to prosecute you," and informed Mr. Vujicic, a Montenegrin national, that he would be set free. However, he was immediately transferred into immigration detention, with his lawyer, Katherine Dowling, indicating plans to urgently apply for a bridging visa to address his status.
Weak Case and Prolonged Custody Highlighted
Outside the courtroom, Ms. Dowling expressed relief over the outcome but criticized the lengthy process, noting that her client had endured nearly three years in custody unnecessarily. She emphasized that the case against Mr. Vujicic had always been weak, stating, "It's a shame that it's taken so long, but thank God we've got here. He has conducted himself with remarkable resilience and grace." This discontinuation comes amid a complex legal saga stemming from the discovery of 850 kilograms of cocaine submerged in the ballast tank of the St Pinot in May 2023.
The investigation was triggered by intelligence about a transnational scheme to drop illicit drugs in the ocean off Western Australia. Authorities focused on a 10-meter cabin cruiser named "No Fixed Address" after Australian Federal Police identified it had been purchased with cash just one day prior. The vessel experienced engine trouble near Rottnest Island, leading to the spectacular bust.
Five Accused Maintain Not Guilty Pleas as Trial Approaches
With Mr. Vujicic's charge dropped, five individuals remain accused and have maintained their not guilty pleas to a serious Commonwealth charge of importing a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug. The co-accused include:
- Milan Begovic, 45, the vessel's master from Montenegro
- Ashley William Vlotman, 41
- Meagan Elizabeth Rees, 34
- Terrence William Baker, 28
- Germanas Joneliunas, 24, a Lithuanian national arrested in Sydney and extradited to Western Australia
A status conference is scheduled for April 10, ahead of a provisionally listed four-month trial set to commence in late July. However, Justice Forrester voiced significant concerns about the Crown's readiness, warning, "It has all the hallmarks of a trial that is not going to be ready. I have very real concerns about where this is going." In contrast, defense counsel, such as Michael Tudori representing Mr. Vlotman, asserted their preparedness, with Mr. Tudori stating, "It has to proceed on that date ... I will be ready."
Sentencing and Broader Criminal Links Revealed
Meanwhile, New Zealand man Tamaohungie Joseph Tepatu-Edwards, 32, who admitted in February 2025 to being tasked with collecting the plastic-wrapped drugs using the smaller vessel, was sentenced to 26 years in prison. He is eligible for parole after serving 17 years and likely faces deportation upon release. The cocaine, packaged in 29 bundles retrieved by navy clearance divers, was estimated by federal police to be worth approximately $320 million if sold as four million individual deals.
Months after the bust, police detailed a nationwide crackdown on outlaw motorcycle gangs, alleging that a criminal syndicate with suspected links to the Hells Angels played a major role in this transnational drug trade. As the legal proceedings continue, Mr. Vlotman, Mr. Begovic, and Mr. Joneliunas are remanded in custody, while Ms. Rees and Mr. Baker are out on bail, setting the stage for a high-stakes trial later this year.
