PLEASE NOTE: NSWPF-branded images of the blocks are available Hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/Qzqp0QCwUS
Organised Crime Squad detectives are appealing for information to assist an ongoing investigation into a significant number of cocaine blocks found washed ashore in NSW.
On Friday 22 December 2023, officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District were alerted to the first suspicious package discovered on Magenta Beach about 8pm.
Following the discovery of more packages, on Wednesday 27 December 2023, officers attached to State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad commenced an investigation into their origin.
That investigation involved specialist resources from across the NSWPF organisation, including from PolAir and Marine Area Command, as well as the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, and Surf Life Saving NSW.
Since December, a total of 256kgs worth of cocaine blocks have been discovered on various beaches along the entire NSW coast.
The most recent discovery was made on Monday 11 March 2024 at Nambucca Heads on the Mid North Coast, where a 1kg block of cocaine was found washed ashore.
The cocaine blocks carry various labels such as Tesla, Zoe, and R-Z.
Commander of State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad said the investigation has led detectives to believe the cocaine had only been in the ocean for a number of weeks before washing ashore.
“Our detectives have analysed tides as well as barnacle growth on the packages to determine the blocks were only in the water a short amount of time before washing ashore – no more than six weeks.
“With this new information we’re urging the public to continue coming forward in assisting our investigation, by providing information and continuing to report the discovery of packages,” Det Supt Faux said.
“Beach-goers are reminded that being in possession of a prohibited drug is a criminal offence.”
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
