Now more than two years later,NSW Police revealed that last month they dug up an entire truck that they believe was used in the failed drug importation operation at the Port of Newcastle.
Organised crime squad detectives excavate the truck as part of investigation into the death of a diver at the Port of Newcastle.NSW Police
The ongoing police investigation follows the discovery of 31-year-old Bruno Borges Martins’ body on the banks of the port on May 9,2022. Passersby performed CPR,but he could not be revived.
Another diver believed to be involved in the operation,32-year-old Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva,remains missing.
At the time police said they believed Martins’ death and Da Silva’s disappearance were linked to the arrival of the bulk carrier ship Areti,which police believed had brought the cocaine from Argentina.
Police have since as the alleged mastermind behind the cocaine plot. Blee,64,was arrested at Cairns Airport two days after the discovery of the diver’s body.
James Blee,left and Bruno Borges Martins,right.Supplied
Blee pleaded guilty to importing a commercial quantity of drugs and to people smuggling,and will face Newcastle District Court for sentencing in August.
It’s believed Blee,whose website describes him as a “maritime professional and dedicated marine conservationist with more than 30 years experience with luxury yachting throughout South East Asia”,illegally smuggled Martins and Da Silva into Australia.
Blee’s son,James Lake-Kusviandy Blee,was also charged and will face trial next year accused of helping his father import the cocaine.
Last month at the two-year anniversary of the diver’s death,police appealed for anyone with information about a white Mitsubishi Fuso truck last seen on the M4 to come forward.
The excavated truck.NSW Police
On May 28,detectives connected to strike force Groove executed a search warrant at a property in Menangle,south-west of Sydney and 225 kilometres from the Port of Newcastle,where they discovered the buried truck in bushland. An excavator was brought in by police to dig up the crumpled vehicle.
Detectives are still searching for a Toyota Townace van with the NSW registration WNY439,which was seen travelling with the truck.
Last month Detective Superintendent Peter Faux,commander of the organised crime squad,said the aim of the appeal was to find the missing Brazilian diver.
“At the end of the day,it’s about giving answers to the family who wonder where their loved one has gone,” Faux said.
Police found more than 50 kilograms of cocaine in the water near the man’s body.NSW Police
“We believe that there are people out there who have information that can provide closure for the family two years after he disappeared.
“I urge anyone who has information to speak to us so that Mr Da Silva’s loved ones don’t have to spend another year wondering what happened to him.”
