An alleged drug trafficking trio has been refused bail, after police intercepted a boat laden with drugs off Newcastle.
A 40-year-old Hong Kong man, and two Australian men, aged 27 and 32 face the possibility of life in prison, if convicted.
They’ve been charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs, and not disclosing their identities.
Australian Border Force Regional Commander for NSW Danielle Yannopoulos said the efforts of officers and Marine Area Command tackling 3.5 metres swells should be commended.
“The ability of the ABF and its law enforcement partners to quickly mobilise and intercept this vessel and ensure these drugs never made it into the Australian community is to be commended.”
NSW Police, Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force got a tip-off from an international partner, reporting suspicious off-shore activity.
After investigations, Australian authorities seized a large quantity of drugs on a fishing trawler and arrested its three crew members.
The men appeared before Sydney Central Local Court yesterday, and will appear before the same court on October 14.
The vessel was taken to Sydney, and escorted through the harbour to Balmain, where the drugs were unloaded.
It is now undergoing a thorough investigation and forensics inspection.
Officers also executed search warrants in several Sydney suburbs.
Investigations are continuing.
