Three men from the Hunter region have been arrested and charged over an alleged plot to import 1.5 tonnes of cocaine into New South Wales, with an estimated street value of $1 billion.
Police allege the trio conspired to act as a 'catching crew' to retrieve drugs dumped overboard by larger cargo vessels off the NSW coast. They were arrested on Thursday, with each allegedly set to earn $3.4 million for their roles.
Detectives seized a boat named 'Seas the Day' from Lemon Tree Passage, which police claim was bought with cash by the group. The men, aged 23, 24, and 34, were under surveillance after behaving suspiciously by purchasing two fishing boats with cash despite being unemployed.
Organised Crime Squad Commander Peter Faux said the men had been conducting 'dry runs' at sea for several days before their arrest. Police boarded their vessel and arrested them on firearm offences.
The 34-year-old was arrested in Eleebana, the 23-year-old at a worksite in Forster, and the 24-year-old in Salamander Bay. All three have been charged with conspiracy to supply a commercial quantity of cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
They were refused bail and are expected to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Friday.
