In one of the largest drug busts in New South Wales history, police have seized over a tonne of cocaine from a vessel intercepted nine nautical miles off the coast of Nambucca Heads, with an estimated street value of $623.4 million.
Strike Force Blaine, led by detectives from the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad and supported by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and NSW Crime Commission, was launched following a suspicious purchase of a 13-meter motor cruiser with cash in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire on 28 April.
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After days of surveillance, the vessel was intercepted at 9:30am on Friday, 9 May 2025, as it approached the shore near South West Rocks. Two men onboard, aged 24 and 26, were arrested and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station. Authorities allegedly found 1,110 blocks of cocaine, weighing 1.039 tonnes.
Simultaneously, three additional suspects—aged 28, 29, and 35—were arrested on land as they attempted to flee the South West Rocks area. They were taken to Taree Police Station.
All five men have been formally refused bail and are scheduled to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on 15 July 2025. Charges include:
Police also executed five search warrants in Newcastle suburbs (Beresfield, Edgeworth, Belmont North, Cardiff South) and at a home in Catherine Hill Bay. Investigators seized electronic devices, documents, clothing, communications equipment, and cash.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein praised the swift response:
“Whether on land or sea, NSW Police have the capability to disrupt and undermine criminal enterprise. This seizure is a clear example of multi-agency cooperation delivering real results.”
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto added:
“Australia’s coastline is attractive to organised crime, but we will continue to cripple and dismantle these groups. Those who use our waters to smuggle drugs are risking both their freedom and their lives.”
The investigation into the drug’s origins and the wider criminal network involved remains ongoing.
