Police are seeking witnesses after a parcel containing around 20 kilograms of cocaine was located offshore near Trial Bay, NSW, on Wednesday.
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The parcel was found floating at sea in the Trial Bay area.
Members of the public spotted the parcel and contacted police.
NSW Police Force officers seized the item which was identified as containing 20 kilograms of cocaine.
The item has been passed on to the Australian Federal Police for further investigation.
Police believe the matter may be related to a Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce operation in late July 2018, which resulted in the seizure of 600 kilograms of cocaine and arrest of two men approximately 40 nautical miles east of Byron Bay. This joint investigation remains ongoing.
Police are now seeking further information from the public. Anyone who was at sea or on the coastline near Trial Bay during the morning of Wednesday 26 September and saw suspicious activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800-333-000.
AFP Detective Superintendent Andrew Donoghoe said any information could be valuable to police.
“Any further information we can get from the public may help us establish how this parcel came ended up at Trial Bay. If anyone saw something suspicious or out of the ordinary in that area, please report it. It could be valuable information to police,” Det. Supt Donoghoe said.
NSW Police Force’s Mid North Coast Police District Commander, Superintendent Paul Fehon, praised the kayakers for contacting police immediately.
“A find like this is a concern to police, and we are thankful we were able to seize it before it caused harm within our community,” Supt Fehon said.
“While we believe this could be an isolated find, I urge any member of the community who locates anything suspicious on the beach or in the water to contact local police immediately.”
Reports can be made through the Police Assistance Line on 131-444, South West Rocks Police station on 6566-6244 or Kempsey Police Station on 6561-6199.
