Australian Federal Police
23 Jul 2021, 11:34 GMT+10
Two men have been sentenced to jail for their roles in crewing a yacht that was intercepted off the NSW coast in April 2020 and found to contain 991.9 kilograms of methamphetamine. The estimated street value of this amount of seized methamphetamine is $495 million.
A 35-year-old dual United Kingdom and South African national was sentenced to 16 years and six months' jail, while a 34-year-old New Zealand national was sentenced to seven years and six months in jail.
The men were charged as part of a multi-agency investigation known as Operation Romani, comprising the Australian Federal Police (AFP), New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
New Caledonian authorities - French Customs and French National Police in New Caledonia - had advised the AFP's International Command and the ABF about the arrival of a yacht called the Mo'Chuisle into Pacific waters.
A second yacht, the La Fayette, departed Mooloolaba Marina (Queensland) on 31 March 2020 and sailed to a location in the vicinity of Norfolk Island, where it met with the Mo'Chuisle.
On 17 April 2020, the La Fayette was located by ABF's Marine Border Command heading south-west towards the east coast of Australia. The following day it was intercepted by the NSWPF Marine Area Command vessel, Nemesis, about 50 nautical miles east of Lake Macquarie (NSW).
The two crew members were arrested and 998 packages suspected to contain methamphetamine were seized. The media release relating to the arrest of the men can be viewed here.
A forensic examination of the packages revealed they contained 991.9 kilograms of methamphetamine.
On 15 July 2021, the two men were sentenced for attempting to import a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code (Cth).
AFP Detective Superintendent Matthew Ciantar said this multi-agency operation is testament to the AFP's determination to work collaboratively with partner agencies - domestically and internationally - to stop organised criminal groups from importing drugs into Australia.
"The AFP and its partners are setting an international benchmark for law enforcement cooperation. Our commitment in combatting this crime type is seeing us working across jurisdictions and borders to deal significant blows to criminal groups," said Detective Superintendent Ciantar.
"Almost one tonne of methamphetamine did not reach Australian streets because of this operation, and that means hundreds of millions of dollars will not flow into the pockets of organised crime."
ABF A/g Commander Enforcement East Garry Low says this operation highlights our ability to target criminal behaviour, whether it's in Australia or offshore.
"Criminal syndicates might think they can smuggle their drugs under the radar by avoiding Australia's land borders, but the ABF also has eyes on our oceans," A/g Commander Low said.
"This operation shows the strong results that can be achieved when Australia's law enforcement agencies work together with our international partners."
NSW Police Force Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow, praised the combined efforts of law enforcement across Australia in disrupting this criminal enterprise.
"The NSW Police Force, together with our partner agencies, will continue to target those involved in the drug supply chain on all levels," Detective Superintendent Critchlow said.
"We know that illicit drugs can destroy lives and communities. Together, we remain committed to ensuring public safety and putting those responsible before the courts."
Media enquiries:
AFP National Media: (02) 5126 9297
ABF Media: (02) 6264 2244
NSWPF Media: (02) 8263 6100
Subscribe and receive email alerts
(link: https://www.afp.gov.au/news-media/media-releases) when new media releases are published.
Get a daily dose of Auckland Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Auckland Sun.
More InformationATLANTA, Georgia: The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in more than three decades, with 1,288 confirmed cases so...
In the past month alone, 23 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza—three more than the number of remaining living hostages held...
LONDON, U.K.: At least 13 people are believed to have taken their own lives as a result of the U.K.'s Post Office scandal, in which...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Travelers at U.S. airports will no longer need to remove their shoes during security screenings, Department of Homeland...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: An elaborate impersonation scheme involving artificial intelligence targeted senior U.S. and foreign officials in...
SLUBICE, Poland: Poland reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania on July 7, following Germany's earlier reintroduction...
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): In the constantly evolving world of the Indian Super League (ISL), where tactics are ever-changing...
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 11 (ANI): Karun Nair, Prasidh Krishna, and Mayank Agarawal were amongst the key players retained...
(Photo credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images) If you enjoy racing at NASCAR's snaking road courses, you have come to the right place over...
London [UK], July 11 (ANI): World best Jasprit Bumrah breezed past the legendary Kapil Dev to break the record for most five-wicket...
New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): England batter Jason Roy has been announced as replacement for Faf du Plessis in the Hundred at Southern...
New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): Ireland batter Peter Moor has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 35...