Australian Federal Police have arrested nine men, including prominent horse racing identities, over an alleged international drug smuggling ring. The operation is accused of attempting to smuggle cocaine and methamphetamines into Victoria using fake fishing boats and deep-sea drops.
Among those charged are Cranbourne horse trainer Grant Dalziel, his son Peter, and former jockey Brian Park. Police allege the group used several vessels to travel into Bass Strait to receive illicit drugs from an international mothership.
The 10-month investigation began after a commercial trawler sank in May, raising suspicions when the crew set out in bad weather without commercial fishing equipment. Authorities also allege links between the group and major drug seizures last August, including 30 kilograms of methamphetamine in Perth and 41 kilograms of cocaine in regional Victoria.
Six of the nine men remain behind bars, facing serious charges that could result in life imprisonment if convicted. The combined street value of the intercepted drug hauls is estimated at $1 billion.
