Two men have been charged after a large quantity of cocaine was found stuck to the bottom of a ship in Newcastle.
Key points:
- Sources say about 60 kilograms of the drug were found attached to the Stalo’s hull
- The ship is still docked in GrainCorp’s terminal at Newcastle
- The matter is being investigated jointly by the AFP and NSW State Crime Command.
Australian Federal Police have told the ABC the men have been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.
Dockside sources told the ABC the amount was believed 60 kilograms, attached to the hull of the Cyprus-flagged bulk carrier Stalo.
The AFP has confirmed that the ship remains docked at GrainCorp’s Carrington terminal in Newcastle.
Port workers say it arrived from China on Tuesday under police escort.
GrainCorp and Australian Border Force have been contacted for comment.
The Port of Newcastle says it cannot comment as the matter is being dealt with by authorities.
The matter is being investigated jointly by the AFP and NSW State Crime Command.
In a statement the AFP says enquiries into this matter are ongoing.
It says further details will be provided when it is appropriate to do so.