Raptor Squad Set to Tackle Organised Crime in the Hunter

BY BELLA MIDDLETON

 ABOVE: Acting assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner 

The New South Wales Police Force have announced two permanent bases for the organised crime-focused Raptor Squad, including one in the Hunter. 

29 officers will be stationed at the Hunter-based Raptor North, alongside the Illawarra-based Raptor South and the Sydney headquarters. 

The specialist squad will focus on cracking down on organised crime across the region, and will work closely with the National Anti-Gang Squad, the NSW Crime Commission, and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

"We are putting criminals across regional NSW on notice with the Liberal and Nationals Government boosting the NSW Police Force's Raptor Squad," NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said.  

"Every resident of our State deserves to feel safe in their communities and their homes."

It's hoped the squad will help dismantle local motorcycle gangs, and deter metropolitan organisations from expanding to the Hunter. 

Northern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner said the success of the Sydney-based Raptor Squad lead to organised crime groups spreading into regional areas.

"What we're doing is meeting that demand, meeting that risk, by basing a squad in the northern region, and they'll be targeting those people who do us harm," said Mr Tanner. 

"Having our own squad now allows us better capability in the region. They are extra positions which have been created, so we're not taking positions away from the existing Raptor. They will still continue to be supported by the metropolitan-based Raptor squads."  

"They'll be living in our communities, so they'll have better input and better buy-in, which is really one of the advantages." 

"The message is clear today, if you're going to involve yourself in any criminal activity or organised crime, the Raptor North will be there, they will looking for you, they will track you down." 

State Crime Commander Michael Fitzgerald said the Raptor Squad has a proven high-impact on the determent of organised crime, and regional bases will build on that. 

"Since Strike Force Raptor's inception in 2009 and its establishment as a standalone squad in 2021, officers have made more than 7,500 arrests across the state and laid almost 20,000 charges for a variety of offences," said Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald. 

"The Hunter and Illawarra communities can be confident, a permanent presence of the Raptor Squad in the regions will ensure a rapid response to any organised criminal activity impacting on their safety."  

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