Police have released CCTV vision of two men, and are appealing for information, after a drone carrying prescription drugs was located near a correctional facility in Sydney's east earlier this year.
About 10am on Sunday 7 June 2020, a member of the public found a drone on the road on Zion Avenue at Malabar, which was taken to Maroubra Police Station.
A package attached to the drone was found to contain buprenorphine, a SIM card and other electronic items.
Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command commenced an investigation into the location of the drone and prescription drugs.
As inquiries continue, detectives have released CCTV vision of two men and are appealing for anyone with information about their identities to come forward.
One man depicted in the CCTV is described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his mid to late 20's, with a small build and short dark hair. He is depicted wearing a black Asics jumper and grey track pants and carrying a black shoulder bag and two shopping bags.
The second man depicted is also described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his mid to late 20's, with a medium build, dark hair and a beard. He is depicted wearing a black top and shorts, black hat and carrying a shopping bag.
Police have also released an image of the drone located at Malabar.
Eastern Beaches Police Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Rohan Cramsie, urged anyone in the community with information about identity of the men to come forward.
"Initial inquiries suggest there was some level of planning involved in preparing this drone, based on the items found attached to it," Det Supt Cramsie said.
"Police are currently exploring whether this was an attempt to smuggle contraband into a nearby correctional facility, where tear gas was used to break up a riot that occurred 24 hours later.
"As investigations continue, we are asking the community to please look carefully at this footage – the information you have may assist police in locating those involved," Det Supt Cramsie said.
Inquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
