Massive Cocaine Haul Sparks National Manhunt
Australian authorities have launched a public appeal to locate a Sydney man allegedly connected to one of Western Australia's largest drug seizures. The WA joint organised crime taskforce is hunting for 22-year-old Siafolau Siafolau, who is accused of involvement in a plot to import and distribute more than 525 kilograms of cocaine.
The Offshore Discovery
The illicit cargo was seized by police on November 6 after being discovered in large bundles tied to flotation drums approximately 30 kilometres offshore from Lancelin, about 125 kilometres north of Perth. Police allege the drugs were dropped into the ocean from the international livestock carrier, Al Kuwait, which was on its way to Fremantle.
According to the Australian Federal Police, the seized cocaine had an estimated street value of a staggering $170 million, highlighting the scale of the alleged criminal operation.
Alleged Role and Cross-Country Movements
AFP Inspector Matt Taylor stated that police will allege in court that Mr Siafolau travelled to Perth in late October. He is accused of being part of a group that made several trips out to sea in early November in an attempt to retrieve the cocaine packages from the water.
Siafolau allegedly flew back to Sydney on November 4, just two days before the significant drug bust was executed by authorities. A Perth court has since issued a warrant for his arrest, and police suspect he is currently in New South Wales.
"We would urge Mr Siafolau to contact police so we can speak to him about this matter," Insp Taylor said. The arrests of two other men in Sydney, following the earlier arrests of two men in Perth, demonstrate the taskforce's commitment to targeting all individuals believed to be involved in this drug trafficking venture.
Appeal to the Public
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Siafolau Siafolau's whereabouts to contact police on 131 444. They have also issued a stern warning that anyone found to be assisting him in evading police may face criminal charges themselves.
The WA joint organised crime taskforce comprises officers from the Australian Federal Police, WA Police, and the Australian Border Force, combining resources to combat sophisticated criminal networks operating across state lines.
