AUSTRALIAN Federal Police are appealing for public information about sightings and the occupants of a 10-metre cabin cruiser in the waters north of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island on 14 to 15 March.

The vessel is separate from the bulk carrier that is linked to an AFP-led investigation sparked by the seizure of 416 kilograms of cocaine floating in the waters off the Yorke Peninsula.

The South Australia-registered blue and white boat was unoccupied when authorities towed the vessel to shore. It remains in the custody of law enforcement.

AFP Commander Erica Merrin said members of the public who had any information about the boat, or the occupants, were urged to contact the AFP on 131 AFP (131 237) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“Today, I am appealing to members of the public to come forward if they have any information about this vessel. Please know you can do this anonymously,’’ Commander Merrin said.

Police estimate the value of the seized cocaine to be $166 million.

Four men, aged between 29 and 44, who were crew members on the shipping carrier, were charged on 31 March in relation to the alleged illicit drug importation. They appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on 1 April 2022.

The Filipino foreign nationals have been remanded in custody and are due to re-appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court on 28 April 2022 on charges of the importation of a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, namely cocaine. If convicted, the accused face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Once the men were charged, the bulk carrier was granted permission to leave Australian waters.

The AFP revealed last week it was leading an investigation into the alleged cocaine import by transnational serious organised crime.

The multi-jurisdictional operation, involving the AFP, Australian Border Force (ABF), South Australia Police (SAPOL), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the Department of Home Affairs, is another blow against organised crime in South Australia and nationally. Investigations continue, with further arrests expected.

Commander Merrin said transnational serious organised crime threatened Australia’s national security, the economy and the lives of loved ones.

“The AFP has an enduring battle with outlaw motorcycle gangs, Mexican cartels, Italian organised crime and those who target Australia from offshore,” Commander Merrin said.

“Transnational serious organised crime traffic illicit drugs into Australia for profit. It’s all about the money. Unfortunately, portions of the population have an insatiable appetite for illicit drugs. This drives the trade and it dominates the profit issue.”