Sixth Individual Charged in Alleged Half-Tonne Cocaine Importation Attempt Off Western Australia

A sixth man has been charged in connection with an alleged plot to import 525 kilograms of cocaine into Western Australia. The drugs, valued at over $170 million, were discovered tied to flotation drums approximately 30 kilometres off the coast of Lancelin on November 6.WA Police and the Australian Federal Police collected the package. A special taskforce was already investigating suspicious activity related to the international vessel 'Al Kuwait' when the discovery was reported.The 44-year-old Myaree man, arrested in Mariginiup, is alleged to have been part of a group that attempted to retrieve the drugs from the sea in early November, departing from Two Rocks Marina. He faces one count of attempt to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported cocaine.Investigators allege the cocaine was dropped into the ocean from an international livestock vessel, en route to Fremantle Harbour, on October 31. The vessel's 46-year-old chief officer, a Croatian national, has been charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. A search of his ship reportedly found a blue drum and ropes consistent with those found with the drugs.Four other men—a 52-year-old from Perth and three individuals from Sydney aged 19, 22, and 36—have also been charged for their alleged roles in attempting to collect the cocaine. These five individuals are currently before the courts.Police allege discussions regarding the retrieval plan occurred on an encrypted messaging application between the Myaree man and the 52-year-old, who allegedly went out to sea on a small boat on November 2.WA Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Longhorn previously stated that the drug haul is suspected to be linked to South American cartels. Police estimate the drugs could have been distributed in 2.6 million individual street deals.Detective Inspector Matt Taylor affirmed law enforcement's commitment to identifying all individuals involved in the plot. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests have not been ruled out.