Photo: AFP

An investigation started when the Western Australia Police Force (WAPF) alerted the AFP about the rescue of three men from the ocean off Albany on 1 February, 2023, after their account of capsizing while fishing appeared inconsistent.

Weeks ago, the three individuals were believed to have been taking part in an overnight fishing trip when their boat began toexperience engine troubles and started taking on water, WA Today reported.

Days later, a black plastic-wrappedpackage containing multiple smaller packages of cocaine washed ashorenear the small town of Denmark in Western Australia, according to a joint news release from the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.

The next day, the men’s 23-foot boat was discovered overturned miles away from the area, the release added. Inside the vessel, police reportedly found eight similar packages, each containing large amounts of cocaine.

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AFP

An investigation started when the Western Australia Police Force (WAPF) alerted the AFP about the rescue of three men from the ocean off Albany on 1 February, 2023, after their account of capsizing while fishing appeared inconsistent.

One of the suspects, a 36-year-old man, was arrested in the Northern Territory this week,the release said. He is expected in court on Thursday.

RELATED VIDEO: Stranded Fishermen Who Used Drink Cooler as a Life Raft Rescued After Capsizing Near Australia

Graeme Marshall, the acting commander of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said in the release that the amount of drugs found suggested the three men planned to use them for nationwide distribution.

He called for the two remaining suspects to turn themselves in, adding, “We are also appealing for anyone else to call us if they have information to help us find the men, or know anything about this drug importation.”

“The AFP estimates this seizure has saved the community more than $235 million in drug-related harm, including associated crime, healthcare and loss of productivity,” Marshall continued.

source: people.com