Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged three men for their alleged role in a conspiracy to supply 1.5 tonne of cocaine in NSW.
Strike Force Blaine was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad – with the NSW Crime Commission and Marine Area Command – to investigate the distribution and supply of large commercial quantities of prohibited drugs by Organised Criminal Networks operating along the Eastern seaboard of NSW.
Through inquiries, detectives identified three men in the Hunter Region behaving suspiciously, including using cash in the purchase of two marine vessels.
The actions of the men were consistent with the methodology used by 'catching crews', tasked with collecting significant quantities of prohibited drugs dropped at sea.
About 5am today (Thursday 26 June 2025), strike force detectives – with assistance from Operational Support Group Operation UTAH and the Dog Squad – arrested a 34-year-old man during a vehicle stop in Eleebana.
The man was taken to Belmont Police Station, where he was charged with conspiracy to supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity, recruit other to assist in carrying out criminal activity, and knowingly direct activities of criminal group.
About 8.20am, detectives – with Manning-Great Lakes Police District – arrested a 23-year-old man at an industrial worksite in Forster.
The man was taken to Forster Police Station, where he was charged with conspiracy to supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity and participate in a criminal group.
Strike force detectives then arrested a 24-year-old at Salamander Bay at about 11.20am.
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with conspiracy to supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity and participate in a criminal group.
All three men were refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Friday 27 June 2025).
Police also seized a commercial fishing boat in Lemon Tree Passage, which was taken to Nelson Bay for forensic examination.
Police will allege in court the three men stood to earn $3.4 million between them for their role in the alleged collection of the 1.5 tonne of cocaine.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
