Newcaslte Man Charged Over Major Drug Smuggling Attempt

BY OLIVIA DILLON

 

A Newcastle man is one of five people charged in relation to a flight from Papua New Guinea to Australia, which had 52 kilograms of methamphetamine onboard.

It's believed the drugs have a street value of $15 million.

It's alleged the man from Newcastle, helped transport a tank of aviation gas to central Queensland to refill the aircraft used to smuggle the drugs.

After all five men were arrested, a search warrant was issued a the man's home in Wallsend.

If convicted, he'll face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

 

Police believe the men are part of an international crime syndicate, and are currently undergoing investigations into where they sourced the drugs, who else was involved in their transportation. 

 

Image: AFP

 

Woman Charged After Being Rescued From Drifting Boat Off Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

A flood rescue has taken an unexpected twist when a woman was arrested after being rescued from her drifting boat at Port Stephens.

On Saturday, Marine Rescue and Water Police were alerted to a 3 metre tinny adrift off Tomaree Headland after the vessel ran into mechanical issues.

They rescued a 35-year-old Nelson Bay woman in driving rain and 25 knot south-westerlies who wasn't wearing a life jacket.

The unregistered boat was towed back to Shoal Bay Boat ramp where Police conducted a search of the vessel and the woman's belongings, allegedly finding a quantity of the drug ICE and cannabis.

The woman is due to face Raymond Terrace Court on January 10 charged with two counts of drug possession, mastering an unregistered vessel and marine safety offences..