Australia, insurance, car, home, live, holidays

The package of cocaine next to the Newcastle Ocean Baths.Credit:NSW Police

Director of State Crime Command,Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein,said detectives and specialist police are combing beaches across the state for any “outstanding packages” and working to identify the individuals who may be responsible for the illegal flotsam.

“We thank those who have heeded the warning to report any suspicious packages to police as we get to the bottom of this matter and we remind people that being in possession of a prohibited drug is a criminal offence,” Weinstein said.

The first cocaine package was found on Magenta Beach,about halfway between Sydney and Newcastle,on December 22 by a member of the public. Like the two packages discovered on Boxing Day,it contained 39 one-kilo bricks of cocaine.

On Christmas Eve,NSW Police issued a warning to the public after seven smaller barnacle-encrusted packets of the drug washed up at Magenta Beach,Pelican Beach,Blacksmith Beach,Avoca Beach,Pentaloon Bay and North Steyne Beach in Manly.

PolAir,border force authorities and Surf Life Saving NSW are working with local police to help identify and report any further suspicious packages washing up on beaches during the busy Christmas period.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories,analysis and insights.Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.

License this article