Three Canadians are facing charges after Australian police seized approximately 95 kilograms of cocaine from a cruise ship in Sydney.
Source: The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection Service Image Library
The three are facing importation charges following the seizure on Aug. 28. In a joint operation between the Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police (AFP), US Department of Homeland Security, New Zealand Customs Service and the Canada Border Services Agency, the arrests took place when officials boarded the vessel at the Sydney Harbour.
Source: The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection Service Image Library
With the help of detector dogs, a number of cabins were searched and police located the cocaine packed in suitcases. AFP officers then arrested three Canadian nationals, Andre Tamine, 63, Isabelle Lagace, 28, and Melina Roberce, 22. The cocaine has an estimated street value of 31 million Australian dollars ($30.5 million CAD).
All three will appear in court in Sydney on Monday and will be charged with importing a commercial quantity of cocaine. If found guilty, they could face the maximum penalty, life in prison.
Source: The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection Service Image Library
“Today’s successful operation has resulted in three arrests and we will not rule out further activity as we continue our investigations. The AFP is committed to working with its partner agencies to protect the community by stopping these dangerous drugs making their way to Australian communities, and bringing those responsible to justice,” Assistant Commissioner Shane Connelly said.
The investigation is ongoing and further arrests may be made as a result.
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