Organised Crime Squad detectives have commenced an investigation after the body of a diver and more than 50kg of cocaine were located in the Hunter River at Newcastle yesterday.
About 9.30am (Monday 9 May 2022), emergency services were called to Heron Road at Newcastle following reports of an unconscious diver on the shore.
Members of the public and NSW Ambulance paramedics commenced CPR; however, despite their efforts the man died at the scene.
He is yet to be formally identified.
A number of packages – which contained more than 50kg of a white powder believed to be cocaine – were located in the immediate vicinity.
The cocaine has an estimated potential street value of $20 million.
A crime scene was established by officers from Newcastle City Police District and continues to be examined by specialist forensic police.
A search of the surrounding waters by the Marine Area Command and Police Divers will continue today, assisted by officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF).
An investigation is underway by Organised Crime Squad detectives, who will be assisted by officers attached to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).