TWO more people have been arrested over an attempt to smuggle 850 kilograms of cocaine into Australia hidden on a bulk carrier.
Police believe the man (37) and woman (32) from Perth were part of an Australia-based syndicate responsible for collecting the drugs and facilitating the logistics of the importation.
Authorities intercepted the haul in May this year. The cocaine was hidden in the ballast tank of the bulker ST Pinot, which was off the WA coast after travelling from South America.
Police alleged the haul was to be dropped overboard off Fremantle as part of an exchange with a cabin cruiser.
Seven people have now been arrested in relation to the incident: three men aboard the cabin cruiser were charged in May, the master and chief engineer of the bulker were arrested in June, and the Perth man and woman were due to face court on Friday (4 August).
Police searched the Perth duo’s respective homes on 3 August, where they seized about $90,000 in cash allegedly hidden in the bathroom cupboard of the man’s home, as well as five mobile phones.
Both were arrested and charged with conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs. The maximum penalty for their offence is life imprisonment.
AFP Acting Inspector Kristen Swan said police remained dedicated to protecting the Australian community from the harm caused by cocaine.
“By stopping cocaine and other illicit drugs from reaching our shores, we are helping to keep our communities safe,” Acting Inspector Swan said.
“Illicit drug use contributes to the road toll, child neglect and family violence.
“The AFP and our partners will continue to attack drug traffickers’ operations, logistics, finances and communications – both onshore and offshore.”
Police said investigations are ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
