$1 billion in illicit drugs seized after yacht runs aground in Abrolhos islands

Police have seized an estimated $1 billion worth of illicit drugs after a boat ran aground at the Abrolhos Islands on Monday.

The drugs were discovered after local fishermen reported a 15m yacht named Zero was stranded on a reef near Stick Island at about 4pm.

Police will allege two men on the yacht then used a smaller craft to ferry 40 bags suspected to contain up to one tonne of ecstasy, cocaine and methamphetamine to nearby Burton Island.

They allegedly tried to cover the bags with seaweed. The pair were arrested on Burton Island on Tuesday.

French national Antoine Dicenta, 51, and British national Graham Kurt Palmer, 34, have each been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.

Both men made brief appearances in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court earlier today and were remanded in custody to reappear in a Perth court on September 20.

They were not required to enter pleas.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts said the major interception had prevented “hundreds of thousands of shots of misery” causing devastation around the country.

“Drugs like these tear families apart and are a key driver of shocking and violent crimes,” she said.

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson praised the help local residents gave during the arrests.

“The fishing community of Geraldton played a significant role in this detection and seizure and maintained regular contact with police as this matter unfolded,” he said.

“These people have helped protect Western Australia’s borders on this occasion and we are grateful for their efforts.”

Geraldton Police, local volunteer marine search and rescue, and Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development also played key roles in the successful interception.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Shipton, involves WA Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Home Affairs, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and AUSTRAC.

“We have also engaged with our international law enforcement partners, including the National Crime Agency and the Drug Enforcement Administration, as both accused men are foreign nationals and the movements of the yacht are of interest to us,” Mr Dawson said.

AFP State Manager for Western Australia, Commander Greg Harrigan, said the team effort had spared the Australian community the damaging effects of these illicit drugs.

“This seizure shows the power of the community and police agencies – both at home and overseas – working together to stop illicit drugs from reaching our shores,” Commander Harrigan said.

“This is an attack on our society that is destroying individuals, families and whole communities.

“If you buy or use illicit drugs, know that you are supporting organised crime groups that profit from human suffering – it is not worth risking your own life with these dangerous drugs.”

The ABF’s Regional Commander for Western Australia Rod O’Donnell said the success demonstrated the ability of Australia’s State and Federal law enforcement agencies to collaborate and respond quickly and effectively to suspicious incidents, even in remote locations.

Ms Roberts added: “Our police have done another outstanding job stopping illicit drugs from reaching our streets. Preventing this massive haul of drugs entering our state is a huge win for the Western Australia Police Force and for everyone in WA.”