Report Shows Majority Support For Rising Tide Event In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A report to Newcastle Council shows overwhelming majority support for Rising Tide's application to host it's protest event later this year.

The climate action group has applied to use Richardson Park and Camp Shortland in November.

The report shows 86% of more than 1850 submissions were in favour of the event going ahead.

Of those, 458 were pro forma responses coordinated, collected and submitted by Rising Tide.

Those in support raised democratic freedoms and the need to increase awareness of climate change.

The 13% of submissions against the event sighted public safety and fears of potential illegal activity.

Councillors will consider whether to grant the event licence at an extraordinary meeting next Tuesday, August 12.
 

 

Police Investigate Fatal Crash At Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a man died in a single vehicle crash at Thornton overnight.

Police and paramedics were called to Eurimbla Street at about 7.50pm on Monday August 4 to find a car had crashed into a parked car before crashing into a pole.

The driver - and sole occupant - a man in his 50's was treated before being taken to hospital in a critical condition; however he died a short time later.

The man is yet to be formally identified.

Police have set up a crime scene and are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

 

BREAKING! Teenage Girl Arrested After Fatal Stabbing At Edgeworth

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teenage girl is assisting police with their inquiries over the alleged stabbing death of another girl known to her at Edgeworth.

Emergency services were called to Euston Avenue at about 10.20pm on Monday August 4 to reports of a stabbing.

Paramedics treated a teenage girl for a stab wound to her torso before taking her to hospital in a critical condition where she later died.

The girl is yet to be formally identified.

Police arrested a teenage girl at the scene.

A crime scene has been established and will be forensically examined by specialist officers.

Officers from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad are investigating the circumstances surrounding the girl's death.

 

Pedestrian Killed At Medowie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police say poor visibility during wet weather appears to be a factor in a fatal pedestrian crash at Port Stephens.

Emergency services were called to Medowie Road at Medowie around 1.40am on Sunday to find a man had been it by a car.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the man, believed to be in his 30's, died at the scene.

The driver of the car, a 21-year-old man, was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

Police are asking anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage to contact Raymond Terrace Police.

MURRURUNDI – Motorists Wait for Hours Following Siege

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 A man who broadcast threats live on social media and said he wanted his family reunited as he barricaded himself inside a home at Murrurundi, has been arrested without incident overnight.

Tactical officers began arriving just after 9am yesterday which brought traffic trying to get through on the New England Highway to a standstill, some motorists say they couldn’t get through for six hours.

Police negotiators spoke with the man, who on social media said he was probably going to die. The content has since been removed.

The highway has reopened after the man was arrested at about 10:30 last night.

Mayne Street / New England Highway was closed at Murrurundi yesterday. Credit: Google Maps

 

Environment Watchdog Investigates Bird Deaths At Cooks Hill

 BY IAN CROUCH

The deaths of several birds at Cooks Hill has prompted an investigation by the Environment Protection Authority.

The EPA received a report from Newcastle Council of dead birds in Railway Street between the intersections of Bull and Swan Streets.

They found 7 birds including Magpies, Magpie Larks and Common Mynas.

An autopsy is under way to determine how they died.

It follows the deaths of hundreds of Corellas in a suspected poisoning at Carrington in March.

 

Fears Growing For Missing Teenage Girl From Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage girl who's gone missing in the Hunter.

15-year-old Jada Hill was last seen in Maitland at about 9.00am yesterday and Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Jada is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a thin build and long pink hair.

She was last seen wearing black track pants with white pin stripes, navy coloured jumper with white draw strings, and pink/white "TN's".

Jada is known to use the rail network and frequent the Waterloo area.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

Missing teen Jada Hill

BREAKING! Bus Crash Emergency Unfolding At Mount View

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to reports of a mini bus crash at Mount View.

NSW Ambulance says it's understood 6 people were on board the bus when it crashed off Mount View Road at about 10.30am on Wednesday.

One male is reported to be seriously injured.

Multiple ambulance and rescue crews have been dispatched to the scene along with 2 helicopters.

 

JOHN HUNTER HOSPITAL – Perfect Storm Blamed for Delays

 BY PETER HYSLOP

There have been heavy delays on the Emergency Department at the John Hunter Hospital in what’s being described as a perfect storm by paramedics.

A bad flu season combined with weekend sport injuries and an unusually high number of presentations to the department meant a critical shortage overnight, doctors told the department had -37 beds heading into the evening.

Brendan McIlveen from the paramedic’s union says they’ve been experiencing delays of up to eight hours when ambulances arrive.

“Especially with John Hunter being the major trauma centre for the Hunter, we’ve had [an] increasing flu season, weekend sports as well,” he said.

“Miraculously there’s also been just a very high incidence of people that are generally unwell,” he said.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Appeal Launched To Find Missing Raymond Terrace Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's been missing from the Raymond Terrace area since the weekend.

32-year-old Nicholas McFarlane-Thomson was last seen at Glen Oak at about 2.00pm on Saturday July 26.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as he has been acting out of character.

Nicholas is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a thin build and black hair and was last seen wearing a green shirt, shorts and burkenstock sandals.

He may also be driving a red Mazda 3 with the NSW registration ETL26D.

Nicholas is known to frequent the Raymond Terrace, Maitland and Central Coast areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing man Nicholas McFarlane-Thomson

 

Unit Destroyed During Alleged Siege At Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been taken to hospital following a siege and fire at Thornton this morning.

Police were called to a unit in Government Road just after 6.30am today (Friday 25 July, 2025) to a concern for welfare report.

Police say a man was holed up inside the unit. 

Fire crews were also called to reports of a gas leak at the scene.

Police say the incident ended with the man safely taken into custody at about 9.00am when the unit was allegedly set on fire.

Crews took about an hour to extinguish the fire which gutted the unit.

If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

 

Tarro Convenience Store Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused extensive damage to a convenience store at Tarro overnight.

Crews were called to the Tarro Grocery and Convenience Store on Anderson Drive just after 1.30am today (Friday 25 July, 2025) to find a fire in the rear residence of the shop.
 
Around 30 firefighters took about an hour-and-a-half to bring the blaze under control.

No-one was in the shop or the residence at the time however fire crews discovered the remains of a deceased cat while mopping up hot spots.

Police say Fire & Rescue investigators have determined the fire started in a bedroom as a result of an electrical fault.

 

 

Concerns Held For Teenager Missing From Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage boy who's gone missing from Thornton.

13-year-old Nullan Quinn was last seen around midday last Wednesday July 16, 2025 and there are concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Nullan is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 155cm tall with a large build and brown hair.

He's known to frequent the Thornton, San Remo, Newcastle and Central Coast areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Missing teen Nullan Quinn

Pursuit Ends With Arrest Of A Man At Wallsend

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Tuesday 22 July 2025) after allegedly leading police on a lengthy pursuit through the Hunter overnight.

Just after 2.00am today, a highway patrol officer noticed a Honda Accord with mismatching number plates on Minmi Road at Edgeworth and began pursuing the car when the driver failed to stop.

The chase continued up the Hunter Expressway to John Renshaw Drive then back to Minmi before the car stopped at the intersection of Lake Road and the Newcastle Link Road at Wallsend.

Police say the driver fled into bush where he was arrested after a short scuffle.

The 45-year-old from Stroud has been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today charged with a string of traffic offences including Police Pursuit Not Stop, Dangerous Driving and Assault Police. 

 

KURRI KURRI GAS PLANT – Turbine Testing to Resume Monday

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Snowy Hydro says it will recommence testing of the first of its two gas generators on Monday at Kurri Kurri, which will use gas, rather than a mix of diesel and gas. The company says it’s expected to cause substantially less smell and smoke than it did last week.

Residents all the way from Cessnock through to Lake Macquarie reported a foul smell and heavy smoke when the turbines were fired up without warning last Wednesday. Local MPs have slammed the company for poor communication.

Snowy Hydro says there is the potential for a plume and odour during the initial startup of the turbine, and they’ve increased air monitoring outside the site boundary.

Testing will be undertaken at night.

Credit: Australian Government Transparency Portal

Residents Evacuated And Man Taken To Hospital After Unit Fire At Hamilton South

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been taken to hospital and dozens of people have been evacuated after a unit fire at Hamilton South.

Firefighters were called to a apartment block on Fowler Street just after midnight to find a ground floor unit on fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says 40 people were evacuated as crews tackled the flames

A 56-year-old man was rescued from the unit and taken to the John Hunter Hospital suffering smoke inhalation.

A female occupant was also treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

It took crews more than hour to fully extinguish the fire which caused damage to a bedroom and hallway.

Police say it's believed a candle sparked the blaze.
 

 

Appeal Launched To Find Missing Teenage Girl In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage girl who's gone missing in Newcastle.

13-year-old Ruby-Lee Camilleri was last seen in Fowler Street, Hamilton South at about 9.30pm on Tuesday.

Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Ruby is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm tall with a thin build, short brown hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing a grey hoodie and black shorts.

Ruby is known to frequent the Newcastle, Hamilton South and Waratah West areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Missing teen Ruby-Lee Camilleri

 

UPDATE! Manhunt Under Way After Police Shoot At Man On The Central Coast

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is in custody following a police operation on the Central Coast this morning (Thursday 17 July, 2025).

Tuggerah Lakes Police were called to Goorama Avenue in San Remo at about 5.00am after a man reported to be armed with a knife was standing in the middle of the road.

A Taser was deployed to affect the man’s arrest; however, he got into his car and allegedly drove at police, hitting their vehicle. 

A police firearm was discharged and the man drove from the scene.

Following a police operation across the Central Coast, a 42-year-old man was arrested on The Corso at, Gorokan around 7.30am after a Taser was deployed. The man has been taken to John Hunter Hospital for assessment.

Inquiries are continuing.

EARLIER: 

Police have shot at a man following a domestic violence incident on the Central Coast this morning (Thursday 17 July, 2025).

A search is under way for the man who's suspected of assaulting a woman - she's been taken to hospital for assessment.

Police say around 5.00am  the man was reported to be brandishing a knife and standing in the middle of Goorama Avenue at San Remo.

Officers deployed a Tazer but he managed to get into a grey Mitsubishi station wagon and allegedly rammed a police car.

Police fired a shot at the car but the man drove off.  

The car has the NSW registration EVM 91J

Anyone who who sees the man or the car are urged not to approach to call Triple Zero immediately.

 

 

 

ERARING – Lake Macquarie Council Calls for Federal Support

 

 BY JESSICA STEENS

 Lake Macquarie Council is calling for Federal support to mitigate the economic fallout which could occur following the closure of Eraring Power Station.

In recent years, the plant has struggled to make profit due to the increasing competitiveness of renewable energy sources.

With a planned 2027 closure date creeping closer, Councillors say the Net Zero Economy Authority will need to step in.

Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff says failure to prepare for the station's closure could result in economic death by a thousand cuts.

“Lake Macquarie is a city of 14,000 small businesses, we don’t have a single big employer. We don’t have a BHP, we don’t have a Holden. So when we lose businesses, we lose one family business at a time.

“We run the risk if we don’t prepare, in 15 years time we will look back and wonder where all the jobs went” he said.

Council warns the closure is set to cause a loss of 4.5 billion dollars to the local economy and cause 1800 job losses.

Hunter Business CEO Bob Hawes says looking back at previous mining closures, it’s hard to predict the effect on the economy.

“When you look back in history there is certainly some things we have learnt from those experiences and move forward. Sometimes things work out better than you anticipate and sometimes not so” he said.

Eraring Power Station is expected to cease its operations on August 19th, 2027.

Image: Wikimedia Commons / CSIRO

 

 

RISING TIDE – Group Says “Protestival” to Go Ahead Regardless of Council Support

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 Rising Tide says they’ll still host the People’s Blockade event in November at the Port of Newcastle with or without Newcastle Council’s support.

Councillors will vote on whether to allow activists to use Richardson Park at Hamilton North and Camp Shortland following a briefing with organisers and police tonight.

Results from Newcastle Council’s public call for feedback still haven’t been released, but an independent poll commissioned by Rising Tide shows 66% of around 300 local residents surveyed said they support the event. The poll’s been since criticised by Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who says the questions made no mention of illegal activity in previous years.

But Rising Tide spokesperson Alexa Stuart insists the polling can be trusted.

“What’s unique about this polling is that it was a totally random sample … of Newcastle residents,” she said.

“What happens on the water and on the beach isn’t related to the Council application, and it’s happened 12 times in the past because it’s [a] public beach and public water,” she said.

Image: Rising Tide

 

Kathleen Folbigg's Compensation Claim Stalled

 BY IAN CROUCH

Exonerated Hunter Valley mother, Kathleen Folbigg's compensation claim for wrongful imprisonment is reportedly falling on death ears.

News Limited reports the now 58-year-old has been ghosted by Premier Chris Minns after making multiple requests to meet him.

It's been more than two years since Kathleen Folbigg was released from prison where she spent 20 years for the deaths of her 4 children before being acquitted in 2023.

Her lawyer says the state government is still refusing to give a timeline for the compensation decision, describing the lack of information as ludicrous.

Kathleen Folbigg

 

  

 

MEDOWIE – High School Granted Planning Approval

 BY IAN CROUCH

Shovels will be in the ground within weeks, with the state government confirming the much-anticipated Medowie High School has been granted planning approval.

The local community has been calling for a public high school in the area for decades and in 2023, Labor committed $53 million to build the school to be located on 6.6 hectares of land on Abundance Road.

Construction is set to begin in September with the school expected to open for the start of Term One in 2027.

Manhunt Under Way After High Speed Pursuit Through Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

A pursuit through Lake Macquarie early this morning allegedly reached speeds of 160km/hr in a 60 zone.

Police say a white Corolla hatchback was stolen from a Tighes Hill address around 2.00am today (Thursday 10 July 2025), with the alleged offender driving to Tingira Heights where a domestic dispute took place with his partner before he drove off.

A police dog unit spotted the car on the Pacific Highway at Belmont but terminated the pursuit due to high speed and safety concerns.

Witnesses also reported the car being driven at high speed and on the wrong side of the road.

The car was found abandoned under the Inner City Bypass at Hillsborough just before 4.00am.

 

Young Boy Allegedly Holds Up Mayfield Service Station

 BY IAN CROUCH

A boy as young as 10-years-old is believed responsible for a brazen armed robbery at Mayfield overnight.

Police say the boy walked into the Coles Express on Maitland Road just before 9.00pm on Wednesday and threatened the attendant with a knife before escaping with two cartons of milk.

The worker was unharmed and police are reviewing CCTV footage in a bid to identify the alleged culprit.

 

 

Floods Delay Major Bridge Project Near Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

The devastating May floods have caused construction on a major infrastructure project near Maitland to be delayed.

Construction began on the new dual lane concrete Melville Bridge over the Hunter River in September 2024.

The $8.2 million project jointly funding by Maitland Council and the state and federal governments is replacing the old single lane timber bridge which frequently went under water during flood events.

In a cruel irony, the partially constructed bridge, which is designed to be much higher than the previous one, sustained damage during the May flood, with erosion, displacement of the bridge deck beams and flood debris impacting the site.

Council says it means completion of the bridge will be delayed for at least four months, with no clear timeline yet on a completion date.

An artist's impression of the new Melville Bridge

 

The old Melville Ford Timber Bridge

FLOAT YOUR BOAT – Yellow Submarine Takes Out Peoples Choice Award

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Yellow Submarine was one of 18 vessels to light up the night sky in last month’s Float Your Boat event. Creator Megan Evans’ nod to The Beatles won a $1000 prize.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz says this year’s display was one of the best to date.

“From the fantastic and creative designs of the boaties to the colour and excitement of activations on land and lake at our live sites, there was something for everyone to enjoy at Float Your Boat,” he said.

“I congratulate all our entrants and encourage anyone with artistic flair, a boating licence or both to consider coming on board next time around.”

Photos supplied courtesy Lake Macquarie City Council.

Newcastle Permanent People’s Choice and Mayor’s Choice winner Megan Evans with sons Huxley and Koda with Newcastle Permanent’s Matt Talevski and Mayor Adam Shultz

Concerns Held For Autistic Man Missing From Tighes Hill

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a Newcastle man who's been missing for almost a week.

48-year-old Alexander Tumiotto was last seen on Tighes Hill Terrace at Tighes Hill at about 1.30pm on Monday June 30.

Police and family hold concerns for Alexander's welfare as he lives with Autism.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a medium build, unshaven, with dark hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing dirty ripped clothing and a beanie.

Police believe Alexander may be using the rail network to travel and is known to frequent Newcastle, Redfern and the Carriage works at Everleigh.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Missing man Alexander Tumiotto

Burst Main Cuts Water To Lake Macquarie Suburbs

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Water crews are working to repair a burst water main at Boolaroo.

Fire crews and police were called to the big roundabout on Munibung Road just after 10.00pm on Thursday to find a large volume of water gushing across the road.

It's affecting water supply to residents at Argenton, Boolaroo, Glendale and Toronto.

Hunter Water is asking any customers in these areas who are experiencing dirty water after 8.00am today (Friday 4 July, 2025) to contact them on 1300 657 000. 

 

Water gushes over the road at Boolaroo. Picture Teralba Fire & Rescue

Newcastle man Missing For Almost A Month

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a Newcastle man who's been missing for almost four weeks.

41-year-old David Fortune was last seen in Jesmond on June 6 but hasn't been seen or heard from since.

He's known to frequent the Hamilton South, Elermore Vale, Cooks Hill and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers.

 

Missing man David Fortune

New Cessnock Fire Station Officially Opened

 BY  IAN CROUCH

The City of Cessnock now boasts a state-of-the-art fire station.

Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib is joining Cessnock Mp, Clayton Bar and Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell today (Tuesday 1 July, 2025) for the official opening of the new facility. 

Land was purchased and detailed designs were commissioned in August 2023.

At the time, Cessnock MP, Clayton Barr said he'd been lobbying previous governments for a long-term solution, saying today's fire trucks could barely fit through the doors of the old fire station in Edwards Street which had served the community for more than 100 years.

The state government invested $7 million dollars to build the new fire station in Cessnock Street.

It features four engines bays to accommodate more vehicles, more equipment including a gym room, and facilities to cater for 27 staff including dedicated male and female locker rooms.

The station also features dedicated 'clean firefighter' zones reducing potential contamination, and is a more energy sustainable and environmentally friendly building.

Firefighters based at Cessnock Fire Station respond to around 600 incidents a year, serving a community of more than 50.000 people.

Cessnock station services Aberdare, Bellbird, Kitchener, Neath and Pokolbin. Firefighters also support stations in Abermain, Branxton, Kearsley and Singleton.

Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell says the local crews were consulted before work began on building the new station.

"This new station will allow fire crews to respond rapidly to emergencies from a modern, purpose-built building. We asked the firefighters what would make their working conditions better and we took that advice on board as we finalised the design," he said. 

The new Cessnock Fire Station in Cessnock Street

 

 

 

 

The old Cessnock Fire Station in Edward Street served the community for more than 100 years

 

Appeal Launched To Find Missing Lake Macquarie Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are asking for our help to find a teenage girl who's been missing since last Thursday June 26.

14-year-old Starleigh Bates was last seen at about 9.00am on Cary Street at Toronto.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Starleigh's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 155cm tall with a medium build and red/brown hair.

She was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black tracksuit pants.

Starleigh is known to frequent the Toronto, Wallsend, Woodberry, Stockton and Metford areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers.

Missing teen Starleigh Bates. Picture NSW Police

 

Permanent Tribute To Missing Hunter Teen To Adorn Cardiff Shopping Centre Wall

 BY IAN CROUCH

Work is due to start next week on a permanent memorial to missing Lake Macquarie teenager, Gordana Kotevski.

Renowned mural artist, Reuben Boughtwood has been commissioned to paint a 26-metre long artwork of Gordana at the Cardiff Shopping Centre.

The mural has been made possible by donations from the community amounting to $22,000.

16-year-old Gordana was last seen in November 1994 being forced into a vehicle on Powell Street at Charlestown.

A $1 million dollar reward remains on offer for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons responsible for Gordana's disappearance.

 

Gordana Kotevski

ELEEBANA – Houseboat Crashes Into Red Bluff Boardwalk

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Red Bluff Boardwalk from Eleebana to Warners Bay has copped significant damage after a houseboat last week crashed into the structure from high winds.

Council says it will remain closed for some time while crews look to determine how to fix the elevated path. It was constructed in 2010 at a cost of $2.5 million.

Council’s Karen Pardington says there’s no timeline on when it will re-open.

“We’re certainly very keen to get out there and assess the damage and hopefully be able to repair it soon.

“It may be some time before we’re able to open it up but we’ll be getting onto it,” she said.

Red Bluff Boardwalk. Credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

UPDATE! Man Killed By Car Doing Burnout At Stockrington

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have charged the driver of a car which allegedly hit and killed a man at Stockrington at the weekend.

Emergency services were called to Haul Road early Sunday morning following reports of a crash.

Police were told a modified Ford Fairmont was performing a burnout when it hit three people before being driven from the scene.

A 53-year-old man suffered critical head injuries and died at the scene.

Two women believed to have also been hit by the car left the scene before emergency services arrived.

The car was later found burn out on McFarlanes Road at Chisholm.

Following extensive inquires, police arrested a 22-year-old man at Maitland Police yesterday afternoon.

He's been charged with 7 offences and refused bail to face Parramatta Court today (Monday 30 June, 2025).

 

END OF THE LINE - V Set Trains to Go

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The end of an era comes at 9:20pm tonight when the last V Set train leaves Sydney Central Station for Newcastle Interchange, arriving just after midnight.

One feature which will be missed: the reversible seats. The new Mariyung fleet's seats will stay put.

Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison is blaming her predecessors for the lack of flexibility in the new off-the-shelf fleet.

Police Bust Cocaine Collection Group In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Three men are due to face court today (Friday 27 June 2025) charged with conspiring to import 1.5 tonnes of cocaine following a major police operation in the Hunter.

Detectives from Strike Force Blaine say they identified three men acting suspiciously in the Hunter including the purchase of two marine vessels for cash.

Police will allege the actions of the men were consistent with the methods used by catching crews involved with the collection of large quantities of prohibited drugs.

Police say the trio stood to earn $3.4 million between them for their role in collecting the cocaine haul.

Yesterday (Thursday 26 June 2025), officers arrested a 34-year-old man during a vehicle stop at Eleebana, a 23-year-old man at an industrial worksite in Forster and a 24-year-old man at Salamander Bay.

They also seized a commercial fishing boat at Lemon Tree Passage for forensic examination.

All three have been charged with conspiracy to supply a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug as part of a criminal group and refused bail to face Parramatta Local Court today.

 

Police arresting a 34-year-old man at Eleebana