Almost $3 Million Seized in Port Stephens Drug Bust

BY LIAM COLLINS

A police raid in Port Stephens yesterday (Thursday 25 June 2026) saw the seizure of almost 64 kilograms of alleged prohibited and restricted drugs.

Port Stephens' Strike Force Korpisalo, assisted by Raptor Squad police, arrested two men in Salamander Bay around 12.00 pm after extensive inquiries.

Officers executed crime scene warrants at addresses in Salamander Bay and Boat Harbour, allegedly finding 50 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, 12.5 kilograms of methylamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, $15,000 in cash, 50 items believed to be used in drug manufacturing, and electronic devices.

Police say the drugs have an estimated street value of $2.66 million dollars.

A Salamander Bay vehicle was also searched after the arrest of the two men - police allegedly finding chemical containers and liquids used in the operation.

The two men, aged 34 and 24, were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

The 34-year-old was charged with manufacturing prohibited drugs in a greater than large commercial quantity and dealing with property proceeds of crime greater than $100000.

The 24-year-old was charged with taking part in manufacturing prohibited drugs in a greater than large commercial quantity.

The two men were refused bail and are set to appear at Bail Division Local Court 2 today.

Samples of drugs allegedly seized by police in Port Stephens Picture: NSW Police

Marina Leasing Reforms Introduced Across the Hunter

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter boating facilities are set to receive upgrades, thanks to new marina leasing reforms. 

Marinas on Crown land will be offered extended leases of up to 40 years, in exchange for a commitment to reinvest in and upgrade facilities. 

Soldier's Point Marina in Port Stephens is just one location set to benefit from the reforms, which will also include a new standard lease template and the introduction of more more transparent rent calculations for operators. 

Boating Industry Association President Andrew Fielding said the industry welcomed the changes, which will support local jobs and economies, while providing tourists and communities with world-class facilities. 

"The leasing reforms will create a framework where marina operators and investors can deliver important privately-funded public infrastructure with confidence, while greatly improving their offerings to boaties and the broader community." Mr Fielding said. 

Minister Anderson (centre) with Boating Industry Association director Darren Vaux (left) and Soldiers Point Marina general manager Darrell Barnett (right) at Soldiers Point Marina at Port Stephens. 

Boat Harbour Home Searched As Part Of Comancheros Probe

 BY IAN CROUCH

A home at Boat Harbour in Port Stephens has been searched as part of coordinated raids by Police in Sydney and the Hunter targeting bikie gang activities.

Strike Force Gildi was formed in May 2020 to investigate the criminal activities of associates of the Comancheros.

On Wednesday, officers from the National Anti-Gangs Squad raided homes at Baulkham Hills, Boat Harbour and a Flemington business, seizing documents, electronic items, a set of handcuffs, OMCG paraphernalia - including a diamond encrusted gold ring, cash and other items relevant to ongoing investigations.

No arrests have been made as investigations continue. 

An officer counts cash seized during raids across Sydney and the Hunter

Off-duty Police Officer Praised For Bravery At Port Stephens

An off-duty police officer and a local man are being praised for their bravery after rescuing three people, including two children, who were washed off rocks at Port Stephens yesterday.

About 2.40pm (Saturday 20 July 2019), emergency services were called to Boat Harbour after reports that three people, who had been swimming in rock pools, were washed into the ocean.

Due to high swell and windy conditions an eight-year-old boy, 15-year-old girl and 44-year-old woman – were carried south.

Onlookers alerted a local man, Mr Michael Pascoe, of Boat Harbour, in a small aluminium vessel, who went to their aid.

An off-duty police officer Sergeant Andrew Parker, from the Marine Area Command, entered the water with a rescue board and pulled the three swimmers to the boat.

Officers from Nelson Bay Police Station, Water Police, Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and Surf Life Saving NSW all attended the scene.

The two children and their mother were pulled from the water with no major injuries; the girl is being checked for a suspected sprained ankle.

“The heroic efforts of Sergeant Parker and Mr Pascoe in rescuing these three people in dangerous surf conditions should be commended,” said Acting Inspector Christine McDonald.

“If not for the quick-thinking and courageous response from these men, the outcome could have been tragic for these three swimmers.”