Police have arrested a man who allegedly attempted to smuggle hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into Australia.
Australian Federal Police and WA Police arrested the 45-year-old on Thursday night ending a search that’s been underway since February.
He was tracked to a Henley Brook property but allegedly attempted to flee, sparking a pursuit through Perth’s northeastern suburbs.
A 45-year-old was arrested after a pursuit through Perth’s northeast.
One of the packages allegedly found on-board the vessel. Picture: AFP
“Police will allege the man damaged his car trying to evade officers and jumped into a vehicle driven by another man, who he arranged to collect him,” an AFP spokesperson said.
The 45-year-old later got out of that vehicle in the suburb of Bennett Springs and was arrested as he ran through properties to try to evade officers.
Police were searching for the man in relation to a major drug bust made after three men were found clinging to an Esky adrift at sea. Their capsized boat was later found, alleged filled with cocaine.
When police retrieved and searched the cabin cruiser, named Aces and Eights, they allegedly found eight plastic-wrapped packages, each containing about 40kg of cocaine.
One of the parcels of cocaine found on the boat.
The men told WA Police officers after they were rescued on February 1 their boat had capsized while they were fishing.
A transnational drug operation was launched after the trio’s boat was discovered off Peaceful Bay, west of Albany, a week later with around 365kg of cocaine allegedly stuffed inside, days after a package of cocaine was found nearby.
“Police believe the drugs were collected from the ocean and loaded on-board the seven-metre boat,” an AFP spokesperson said.
One of the seized packages. Picture: AFP
“How and where the drugs were dropped in the water is still being investigated.
“The AFP estimates this seizure has saved the community more than $190 million in drug-related harm, including associated crime, healthcare and loss of productivity.”
Police are still looking for Mate Stipinovich in relation to the matter. Anyone with information about this matter is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the AFP Investigations Team on (02) 5126 9979, or email: [email protected]
When searching the Henley Brook property, police allegedly found equipment used to create number plates and several false number plates.
Police are still searching for Mate Stipinovich, 49, who they believe could help in their investigation.
“We urge anyone with information about the location of Mr Stipinovich to call us. Anyone who is assisting him to evade police may also face charges,” AFP Inspector Chris Colley said.