Charges after $224m cocaine haul found in WA - 9News

Three men have been charged over a $224 million cocaine haul after allegedly boating out to pick up a 560kg shipment dropped by a ship off the Western Australia coast.

The Queensland trio - aged 49, 32 and 29 - face life imprisonment after being charged following raids in both states on August 11.

The huge drug haul - which police claim could have been used for 2.8 million street deals - was allegedly found wrapped in plastic at a home in the small coastal town of Kalbarri, about 570 kilometres from Perth.

Three men have been charged over an alleged drug importation after $224 million worth of cocaine was found. (Australian Federal Police)

"It will be alleged in court that the three men were responsible for purchasing a boat and collecting the cocaine after a bulk carrier vessel dropped it into the ocean off the coast of Western Australia," the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said.

A boat, two vehicles and $30,000 in cash were also seized from the WA property, police said. 

Queensland properties linked to the men in Toogoolawah, Taigum and Redcliffe were also searched by police.

Police launched an investigation after a tip-off about a suspicious vessel, with a bulk carrier travelling from Fremantle searched when it landed in Port Lincoln, South Australia, on Wednesday.

The joint operation involved the AFP, Australian Border Force (ABF), Western Australia Police Force, and Department of Home Affairs.

Authorities said there were 1800 cocaine-related hospitalisations between 2020 and 2021, placing "significant pressure" on the healthcare system.

The "highly addictive" drug is being intercepted and seized at Australian borders in record quantities, according to ABF Commander Ranjeev Maharaj.

"This is the second time in as many months that the collective effort of ABF officers and our law enforcement partners have successfully disrupted brazen attempts at bringing large quantities of cocaine along WA's coastline," Maharaj said.

The 49-year-old from Toogoolawah and 32-year-old from Taigum have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of cocaine into Australia, and having possession of it.

The 29-year-old Redcliffe man was also charged with possessing a commercial quantity of cocaine.

The trio have all faced court and been remanded in custody.

They will next appear in Perth Magistrates Court on September 22.

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2023-08-18 11:05:51Z
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