BY IAN CROUCH
Police investigating a scuba-diver found dead on Kooragang Island alongside 50 kilograms of cocaine, are describing the suspected smuggling operation as a professional job.
The man remains unidentified, despite extensive checks.
He was found with high-end diving equipment, including a wetsuit and a rebreather.
Police are exploring the possibility, the drugs were strapped to a vessel which left Argentina a month ago.
That ship is likely to be able to leave the Port on Tuesday evening, after it was searched and its crew was interviewed.
But investigators are appealing to the public, with reports an inflatable dinghy and a runabout were seen near the ship on Sunday night.
Dive shops are also being asked to provide any information, with the possibility the scuba equipment was purchased in Australia.
EARLIER:
A multi-agency investigation is underway after the body of a diver and more than 50kg of cocaine were found in the Hunter River at Kooragang Island.
Emergency services were called to Heron Road at about 9.30am on Monday to find the man unconscious on the shore.
Members of the public and paramedics commenced CPR but he died at the scene.
Several packages of white powder believed to cocaine were found in the immediate area - police estimate it's potential street value is $20 million.
Police divers and Australian Border Force personnel will continue searching the river today as Organised Crime Squad detectives and Australian Federal Police continue investigations.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
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| The body of a man and more than 50kg of cocaine has been found at Kooragang |
