Latest news with #StrikeForce
Al Etihad
11-05-2025
- Al Etihad
Five charged after $623m worth of cocaine allegedly found on boat off Australia coast
11 May 2025 09:31 SYDNEY (AGENCIES)Five people have been charged after police seized more than a tonne of cocaine allegedly found on a boat off the New South Wales (NSW) said they were tipped off before the drug bust following the "suspicious" purchase of a 13-metre motor cruiser, paid in cash, in Sydney's Sutherland investigation under Strike Force Blaine was then launched, which targeted drug supply and money South Wales (NSW) Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Strike Force investigators monitored the boat as it travelled up the NSW coast. As the boat travelled back to shore towards South West Rocks, the vessel was intercepted by the NSWPF Marine Area Command, around nine nautical miles from the coast of Nambucca Heads, at about 9.30am on men, aged 24 and 26, were arrested and taken back to shore. Police allege around 1,110 blocks of cocaine, weighing 1.039 tonnes in total, were discovered on the boat. The street value of the cocaine amounts to around $623 million, police other men, aged 28, 29 and 36, were arrested on shore after police stopped two cars attempting to leave the South West Rocks area. An investigation into the origin of the drugs and the group's alleged associates remains ongoing.
Sky News AU
11-05-2025
- Sky News AU
Five charged after cocaine worth over $623m seized on motorboat off NSW coast
Dramatic vision has captured the moment police intercepted a fishing boat off the NSW Mid North Coast at Nambucca Heads, seizing 1.1 tonnes of cocaine and arresting five men. Investigators patiently surveyed the 13 metre long Sea Ray cruiser for six days before launching a coordinated operation on its crew as it headed towards port at South West Rocks at 9:40am on Friday. Officers will allege they uncovered 1.1 tonnes of cocaine that was distributed into 1036 blocks in what is being described as one of the states largest drug hauls. Police estimate the drugs have a street value of $623 million and would total over a million individual doses. Two men, Cooper Hollingworth, 24 from Cardiff and Jacob Malcolm, 26 from Merewether were arrested on board and have both been charged with large commercial drug supply and participating in a criminal group. According to a police fact sheet, 'Malcolm was located in a wetsuit and Hollingworth was soaking wet as if having been in water.' At the same time three other men, Chaiwat Thipsing, 28, Luke Hazell, 29 and Rodney James Hill, 35 were arrested onshore after officers stopped two vehicles attempting to flee the South West Rocks region. The three men were taken to Taree police station and charged with taking part in the large commercial supply of cocaine and participating in a criminal group. Police will allege the two men arrested on board were the 'catching crew' responsible for the transportation of the drugs while the other members were allegedly the 'onshore co-orinators'. Searches of Newcastle properties by Strike Force investigators and the AFP also led to the seizure of electronic devices, documents, cash, clothing and communication devices. All five men appeared at Parramatta bail court on Saturday and were refused bail after their lawyers told the court their clients would not be making a release application. Police confirmed all five men involved were Australian citizens and reside in the Greater Newcastle Area. The men are due to reappear at Coffs Harbour local court on July 15. Detectives said they were alerted to the plot after receiving an anonymous tip regarding a $500,000 purchase of a 13-metre-long motor cruiser boat in Sydney's Sutherland Shire on April 28. Police said they tracked the vessel as it travelled north along the NSW coast to Nelson Bay, Port Macquarie and South West Rocks and surveilled the movements and communications of those involved with the suspicious purchase. The major drug sting was a joint operation between NSW Police and the Australian Federal Police, with AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto describing the incident as a 'sophisticated criminal plot'. "Allegedly collecting hundreds of kilograms of cocaine at sea shows the length organised crime will go to for their own greed and profit," he said. "Australia's vast coastline is attractive to organised crime groups, who attempt to exploit this by trying to import drugs using boats. NSW Police State Crime Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein lauded the co-ordinated response and said the arrests displayed how rapidly authorities could act to prevent large quantities of illegal drugs from reaching New South Wales. 'Whether on land or sea, NSW Police have the investigative capability to disrupt and undermine criminal enterprise,' Commissioner Weinstein said. 'Make no mistake, these drugs, if allowed to enter our communities, would have had devastating impacts on people's lives and social cohesion, particularly in regional townships,' he said.
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Five men are arrested after cops allegedly make shock discovery in boat off Australian coast
Five men have been arrested after more than a tonne of cocaine has been seized from a fishing boat off the Mid North Coast of NSW. Detectives stalked the 13metre powerboat offshore for six days before boarding the vessel and cuffing its crew off the coast at Nambucca Heads at 9.40am on Friday. On the vessel, police allegedly found 1.1 tonnes of cocaine – worth an estimated $623.4million – as it headed toward South West Rocks. The enormous haul had been divided into 1,036 bricks and stashed throughout the boat. Police arrested two men in their 20s on board the boat, one in a purple and black wetsuit, the other in a hoodie and shorts, drenched in water. Cooper Hollingworth, 24, and Jacob Malcolm, 26, from Newcastle's southern suburbs were charged with large commercial drug supply. Police allege the men served as 'catching crew' for the alleged drug import operation. Three other men – alleged 'onshore coordinators' – were also arrested on shore after investigators stopped two vehicles attempting to leave the South West Rocks area. Chaiwat Thipsing, 28, Luke Hazell, 28 and Rodney James Hill, 35, were charged with knowingly taking part in the commercial supply of cocaine. NSW Police officers began monitoring the men following the 'suspicious' purchase of the 13metre motor cruiser. One of the men allegedly bought the boat in cash from a yacht dealer in Sydney's Sutherland Shire on April 28. Strike Force investigators took over the case and brought in the aid of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), gathering intelligence on the group. AFP officers watched the boat as it travelled north along the NSW coastline. When the vessel made for the shores of South West Rocks, water police cut into its path and escorted the two men from the boat. Forensic specialists are examining the seized drugs and will be conducting further testing to determine the exact weight and purity of the drugs. Strike Force investigators – assisted by the AFP – also executed four search warrants at homes in Newcastle, seizing electronic devices, documents and clothing. A further search warrant was executed by the AFP at a home at Catherine Hill Bay, where they seized communications devices and cash. The men appeared at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, where they were all formally refused bail. They will next appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Investigations into the origin of the drugs and the groups alleged associates remain ongoing. NSW Police State Crime Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein said a concerted effort from law enforcement agencies had saved millions in drugs from entering the nation. 'Whether on land or sea, NSW Police have the investigative capability to disrupt and undermine criminal enterprise,' Ast Com Weinstein said. 'Our ability to pivot and protect the community is evident in this week's actions. 'Make no mistake, these drugs, if allowed to enter our communities, would have had devastating impacts on people's lives and social cohesion, particularly in regional townships.' 'Australia's vast coastline is attractive to organised crime groups, who attempt to exploit this by trying to import drugs using boats. 'The bad news for them is the AFP will continue to work together with our partners to target organised crime syndicates who wrongly believe they can operate with impunity. 'Importation of drugs via the sea is inherently dangerous, and criminals using this smuggling method risk both their freedom and their lives.'
New Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
KL Strike Force issues 451 compound notices in Q1 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) issued 451 compound notices during enforcement operations under the KL Strike Force initiative from January to March this year. Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif said a total of 13 operations were carried out, resulting in 451 notices, 99 seizures and the closure of 22 premises. "I believe integrated enforcement and security efforts are crucial, and this approach will continue from time to time," she said. Dr Maimunah was speaking after officiating the Jalur Gemilang flag-raising ceremony at Dataran Merdeka today - a monthly initiative to instil patriotism and strengthen national identity among city residents. During the event, she also presented certificates to the 17 agencies involved in the KL Strike Force. The KL Strike Force is a joint enforcement unit formed to address security-related issues in the Federal Territory, including the influx of foreign traders, beggars, the homeless, and other public order concerns. Participating agencies include the Federal Territories Department, DBKL, police, Immigration Department, Social Welfare Department, Land and Mines Office, National Security Council, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department, National Anti-Drug Agency, Customs Department, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Manpower Department, Road Transport Department and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Finglas cheerleading team wins world championship title in Florida
Strike Force Cheer, based in New Cross College, Finglas West, Dublin 11, came out on top in the international competition in Florida last week. The school's senior team, known as SL4TE, are now world champions after winning the International Open CoEd Level 4 NT. Teams from all around the world were judged on athleticism, skill, technique and performance quality. Deja Blue, the school's junior team, secured a silver medal in their division. 'Making not only Strike Force history, but Irish Cheer history as the very first Irish team to place first in a competitive division in the US,' they said. 'An absolute pinch me moment! We celebrate 37 athletes, two teams and two world placements to be extremely proud of. 'Deja Blue and SL4TE, it's been an absolute pleasure getting to watch you chase your dreams this season. 'When we started this journey we just wanted to put out good quality cheer and now we're here in the US hitting zeros. This journey has been an absolute dream.' Conor Reddy, People Before Profit Councillor, said: 'A massive congratulations to Strike Force Cheer on bringing a world title home to the area.' Fianna Fáil TD, Paul McAuliffe, added: 'Huge congratulations to everyone in Strike Force. What an amazing achievement to succeed on the world stage. 'I've no doubt it involved endless practice and preparation. In representing Strike Force, they have also represented the entire community of Finglas and we are so proud of them.' Learn more Founded in 2008, the group combines gymnastics, acrobatics and intricate choreography. They pride themselves on being Ireland's leading cheerleading program. 'Our passion for cheerleading and commitment to excellence set us apart,' their website reads. 'Experience the thrill of competitive cheerleading and to be part of a community that supports and encourages each other. 'With Strike Force, you'll gain life lessons that you'll take with you far beyond your years of cheerleading. 'We see our athletes achieve success through gaining confidence, building lifelong friendships, developing a strong work ethic, and understanding that a team is only successful when hard work towards a common goal is achieved.'
