Body Of Diver Found With $20m Worth Of Cocaine At Kooragang

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.

The body of a man and more than 50kg of cocaine has been found at Kooragang

Major Drug Bust Off The Coast Of Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

Three men have faced a Sydney court after a vessel allegedly filled with drugs was intercepted off the coast of Newcastle.

They were arrested following a joint operation between Federal and NSW Police and the Australian Border Force.

The three crew members have been refused bail and remain in custody.

The vessel has been taken to Balmain where the drugs are being unloaded and forensically examined.

Police are expected to provide more details later this morning.

Officers prepare to board the vessel Picture: NSW Police

Man Found Hiding On Bulk Carrier In Newcastle After Trying To Flee The Country

BY IAN CROUCH

A man found hiding in the air-conditioning vent of a bulk carrier in Newcastle is due to face a Sydney court today (Wednesday 24 June, 2020) accused of attempting to flee the country on a yacht.

The bulk carrier came to the assistance of the yacht after it got into trouble off the coast of Yamba on Saturday.

A 31-year-old man was taken on board the carrier and the yacht towed to Newcastle, however the man was reported missing when the ship arrived in port on Saturday night and the tow line had snapped and the yacht lost at sea.

Police and Border Force officers mounted an extensive search and the man was eventually found on Monday morning.

He's wanted for breach of bail over an alleged sexual assault.

Police say a search of the man on board the carrier uncovered $4,435 in cash and a knife.

Police will allege in court the man deliberately cut the tow line and planned to hide onboard the ship until it was due to depart Newcastle for Malaysia.